Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga could be set for a reunion with former Blues boss Maurizio Sarri at Lazio, according to reports.
The Spaniard has found game time limited at Stamford Bridge since the arrival of Eduoard Mendy in 2020, acting as the second-choice goalkeeper.
The lack of game time could see Chelsea’s most expensive goalkeeper could leave this summer as he is set to hold honest talks with Thomas Tuchel regarding his future.
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“It depends what he wants and what his plans are,” Tuchel said last month over whether or not the Spaniard would remain at Chelsea next season.
“I know that we are very privileged to have Edou and Kepa in our squad but I also know for sure that Kepa is not happy about the situation because he deserved to play more and he can be a very strong number one. He arrived as a number one so the situation is not easy. He has been a fantastic team player since day one and never let anybody down.
“We did not have a conversation yet but I know that the goalkeeper coaches have these conversations at the moment and then we will take our time to speak with him and reflect on what’s best and what the possibilities are. As a coach, of course I’m super happy to have both strong goalkeepers so let’s see.”
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And now it has been reported that Kepa could be handed a way out of Stamford Bridge this summer, with former boss Sarri interested in him.
RMC Sport state that Kepa could arrive on loan from Chelsea, after becoming ‘irritated’ with his lack of minutes under Tuchel.
He played just 15 matches across all competitions and could look for more regular game time, with the World Cup coming up at the end of 2022, with Spain’s number one position still up for grabs.
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With Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha set for a departure on a free this summer, he could be brought in by Chelsea to replace Kepa if the Spaniard is set for a move away.
Sarri signed Kepa during his spell at Chelsea, smashing the world-record fee for a goalkeeper as the Spaniard arrived from Athletic Bilbao.
While he struggled during his time at Chelsea, Kepa played a crucial role in Sarri’s side, lifting the UEFA Europa League at the end of the season and helping the Blues reach the Carabao Cup final, where he controversially refused to be substituted.
It remains to be seen as to whether a loan to Lazio could materialise this summer, but it would be no surprise to see Kepa and Sarri reunited, on what could be a loan move.
Topics: Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Chelsea, Maurizio Sarri, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Lazio, Football
Nick Emms