Kepa Arrizabalaga’s mixed spell at Chelsea is finally coming to an end with the Blues looking for alternate options. Real Madrid, Andriy Lunin, came up as an option for his replacement and both the clubs are said to be preparing a swap deal.
Kepa’s Antics at Chelsea
In August 2018, Kepa made a permanent move from Bilbao. He was signed for £71.6m and became the most expensive goalkeeper in the history of football.
The Spanish goalkeeper arrived at the Stamford Bridge and was guaranteed a first team opportunity. He started really well, keeping clean sheets in many games.
The 2019 Carabao Cup final incident is still remembered by every Chelsea fan. The West London club were playing against Manchester City and after a goalless draw, they had gone into extra time. The then-manager, Maurizio Sarri, was preparing to replace Kepa with Willy Caballero. Kepa refused to come off even after repeated warnings from the boss and continued to play for the rest of the match. He managed to save one penalty kick but Chelsea were eventually beaten. He later apologised for his actions. Although he would later win the Europa League with the Blues, Kepa’s troubles were far from over.
The Lampard Era
Under Frank Lampard, he could not prove his worth and was consequently not favoured by the Englishman. A transfer embargo did not help Chelsea in effort to add more strength, and Kepa’s form dipped. He was regularly dropped for Caballero and Lampard did not hesitate to call him out on his poor displays before the media. In 2020, Edouard Mendy moved from Rennes and was given first team opportunity. Kepa began playing as a substitute goalkeeper.
Currently, it will be difficult for Chelsea to accommodate Kepa. Maresca intends to promote Robert Sanchez back to his no.1 spot. Djordje Petrovic may leave the club if the Blues sign a new keeper. As a result, the fight for the spot between the posts looks really tight.
Moreover, Kepa has entered the final year of his contract and the club would rather put him up for sale. A move to the Saudi Pro League currently looks like his only predictable destination. There has been no offers made for the Spaniard as of yet.
Swap Deal for Real Madrid Goalkeeper
With Kepa’s future seemingly over at Chelsea, a swap deal is being considered which may see him back at Real Madrid. Andriy Lunin would be the other player who might be interested in a similar move.
After moving from Zorya Luhansk back in 2020, Lunin has gone on to play just 48 matches for the 15 times Champions League winners. Like Kepa, he has just one year left in his contract.
He has primarily played second fiddle to Thibaut Courtois and, while he made 31 appearances last season when Courtois was injured, the 25-year-old desires to be a first-choice keeper. With Courtois back to fitness, this might be a challenging aspiration.
Lunin admitted that there were earlier discussions of him staying at the club. But lately, his future has become uncertain since he would continue to play as a substitute goalkeeper if he stays. He claimed that the important decisions related to his future would be taken by Real Madrid.
There is no solid source or report suggesting whether the move will take place. Liverpool were also one of the clubs who were interested in the Ukrainian. It is likely that he would again find himself playing as a substitute with Alisson being the no.1 keeper.
Even a move to Chelsea looks tricky with Robert Sanchez being the preferred option and the club are wary of staying consistent with PSR Rules. Regardless, an intriguing summer lies ahead.
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