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Football London
Football London
Sport
Anita Abayomi

Chelsea must consider Kepa Arrizabalaga loan deal option amid Napoli transfer request

Chelsea are now in a new era under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. This summer transfer window will be a defining moment in this takeover as Thomas Tuchel's rebuild journey has finally begun. Romelu Lukaku is now out the door and Raheem Sterling has walked in with Kalidou Koulibaly following closely behind him.

There are more signings predicted for the Blues, especially in the defensive region. The incomings seem promising but what about Chelsea's outgoings? A question that will need to be answered sooner rather than later is, should the Blues move on from Kepa Arrizabalaga?

The goalkeeper has had enough playing time this season to warrant a transfer, and clubs are interested. Prior to Roman Abramovich’s sanctioning, he was linked previously linked with Lazio and Newcastle. Links with the Magpies still remain but what should Chelsea actually do?

The £72 million Spaniard is yet to live up to the price tag of the world's most expensive goalkeeper since joining from Athletic Bilbao and will probably not have the opportunity to if he stays with Chelsea. Whilst some fans admire his willingness to do his best when called upon, it may not be enough with the Blues looking into Chicago Fire goalkeeper, Gabriel Slonina.

READ MORE: Chelsea face Jorginho contract issue that only Todd Boehly can solve with Kalidou Koulibaly

Chelsea are closing in on the American goalkeeper by all accounts. They are looking at a deal close to £8.5million for the Chicago Fire man after agreeing on personal terms with the 18-year-old according to reports. If this move gets over the line, the Blues may need to face a difficult decision. Napoli have enquired about bringing Kepa over to Italy where he will be able to revive his hopes for a part in Spain's World Cup campaign this summer.

Just like any other armchair fan, I’d like to think that I know what’s best for my club. If it had been a decision for me, it would be easy. Let Kepa go! The 27-year-old has the rest of his career ahead of him and he has to move on. Since moving to Stamford Bridge in 2018, his career has just been on a downward trajectory. The incident between him and former manager Maurizio Sarri where he refused to be substituted off in the Carabao Cup final set the tone for his Chelsea career.

The main positive to come from his time here has been his famous record of penalty saves - not including the dreadful run of attempts in Chelsea’s Carabao Cup final defeat to Liverpool earlier this season.

Slonina has attracted teams including Real Madrid. The Champions League winners had their first bid rejected by Chicago Fire. creating an opening for Chelsea to swoop in. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims that Chelsea are now 'really close' to signing the MLS goalkeeper.

Read Next:

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  • Stay, leave, loan: Armando Broja decision that could shape Todd Boehly's Chelsea future
  • Raheem Sterling 'intense' Chelsea impact shows that Conor Gallagher fits new Tuchel plan
  • Timo Werner delivers verdict on new Chelsea signing Kalidou Koulibaly after Antonio Rudiger exit
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