• The Spanish goalie has outperformed his countryman Robert Sanchez.
• Kepa Arrizabalaga is currently with Bournemouth on loan from Chelsea.
• Chelsea activated a provision in Kepa's contract that might alter his future.
Kepa Arrizabalaga might still have prospects at Chelsea, as the club reportedly activated a provision in his loan agreement with Bournemouth, according to a report from Spain.
The Spanish goalkeeper, still the costliest in football history, hasn't featured for Chelsea since Frank Lampard's temporary tenure in 2023. Following a loan spell at Real Madrid, where he lost his first-choice position to substitute Andriy Lunin, Kepa signed with Bournemouth on another temporary agreement in August.
At the time, it was reported that Kepa signed a one-year extension to his Chelsea deal prior to relocating to the south coast, ensuring his stay with the west London club until June 2026.
Nonetheless, MARCA asserts that the Blues needed to activate an option in the agreement by 31 January to validate this extension. Chelsea successfully triggered this clause, thus stopping Arrizabalaga from turning into a free agent in the summer.
This choice could have been a manipulative tactic to guarantee they get some payment for the £72m player if he is put up for sale during the off-season. Nevertheless, there is also a compelling indication that Arrizabalaga's performance - along with the significant decline from Chelsea's current first choice, Robert Sanchez - could create an opportunity for a position in goal at Stamford Bridge.
Following another mistake-laden performance in a loss to Manchester City earlier this year, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca exhibited the initial public indications of doubt regarding Sanchez's performances. The Spaniard was then excluded for a victory against West Ham United last week.
No player in the Premier League has committed more mistakes that resulted in a goal than Sanchez's five. Kepa has made just one error. The rejuvenated Spaniard also holds the highest save percentage in the league and has allowed 21 goals in 17 matches for Bournemouth—three less than anticipated given the caliber and number of shots encountered.
Chelsea were connected to a last-minute attempt to acquire Borussia Dortmund's goalkeeper Gregor Kobel during the winter transfer window but ultimately retained Sanchez and backup Filip Jorgensen.
The Blues will additionally rely on 19-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders once his £17m transfer is finalized in June, but it remains possible that Kepa might return to Stamford Bridge next season too.
Comments