Transfer Centre

Kepa Arrizabalaga 'wants to stay at Chelsea this summer'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 27 June 2023

Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is reportedly determined to stay at the club this summer, despite speculation that the Blues want to offload him.

Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is reportedly determined to stay at the club this summer, despite speculation over his future.

The Blues are undergoing a major squad overhaul during the current transfer window following their worst league finish since 1993-94 last term.

Both of their main goalkeepers have been linked with exits, with Edouard Mendy on the brink of joining Saudi Pro League outfit Al Ahli and Nice thought to be among the clubs interested in Kepa.

Chelsea had reportedly identified Andre Onana as their top target to inherit the gloves, but they are now understood to have pulled out of the race for the Inter Milan shot-stopper, who is also wanted by Manchester United.

The likes of Mike Maignan and David Raya are also on the club's shortlist of targets, but the Daily Mail claims that Kepa has no intention of leaving Stamford Bridge.

The report claims that the Spaniard wants to fight for his place in the team under incoming boss Mauricio Pochettino, particularly as he holds a close personal relationship with Pochettino's goalkeeping coach Toni Jimenez.

Kepa Arrizabalaga in Chelsea training on October 4, 2022 © Reuters

Chelsea's struggles to bring in a new goalkeeper mean that they are open to Kepa starting the season as their number one after he regained his place in the team from Mendy last season.

The 28-year-old is still the most expensive keeper of all time following his £71.6m move to Chelsea in 2018, and was undisputed first choice at Stamford Bridge during his first two seasons with the club.

However, Mendy's arrival saw him play just 11 Premier League games combined in 2020-21 and 2021-22, before he won his spot back during Chelsea's tumultuous 2022-23 campaign.

In total, Kepa has kept 59 clean sheets and conceded 175 goals in his 163 appearances for the club, although in that time he has also helped them to Champions League and Europa League glory.

The Spain international's contract in West London expires in 2025.

Chelsea have already been active in this summer's window, signing Christopher Nkunku while letting Kalidou Koulibaly, N'Golo Kante and Tiemoue Bakayoko leave.

A number of other players are expected to follow them through the exit door at Stamford Bridge, with Mendy, Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek among those on their way out.