CHELSEA are ready to send gaffe-prone Kepa out on loan – after landing Rennes keeper Edouard Mendy as their new first-choice.
Stamford Bridge legend Petr Cech, who himself joined the Blues from the French club, was key in identifying the Senegalese 28-year-old as the new Chelsea gloveman.
Chelsea are ready to loan out flop goalie KepaCredit: Rex Features
The Blues completed a £22m deal for Edouard Mendy on ThursdayCredit: Chelsea FC
And while Chelsea insisted no decision has yet been taken on Kepa’s future, it is understood that Frank Lampard will assent to the Spaniard leaving on loan before next month’s deadline.
Kepa, 25, has struggled to live up to the world record £71m fee Chelsea paid Athletic Bilbao to land him as Thibaut Courtois’ replacement in 2018.
He fell out of favour last term after a series of high-profile errors before the lockdown.
And while the Spaniard regained his place at the outset of Project Restart, he lost it again to Willy Caballero for the FA Cup semi-final and Final.
Chelsea spent much of the summer seeking to land Mendy and any chance of Arrizabalaga keeping his position as first choice evaporated with his performances in the club’s opening two Premier League games.
He was badly at fault for Brighton’s goal in the 3-1 defeat at the Amex before a disastrous blunder gifted Sadio Mane Liverpool’s killer second in Sunday’s win at the Bridge.
Mendy, who has signed a five-year deal, said: Mendy said: “I am so excited to be joining Chelsea.
“It’s a dream for me to be a part of this exciting squad. I can’t wait to get started.”
Chelsea’s worst-ever flop XI includes Kepa and Bakayoko
But Mendy’s arrival effectively spells curtains for Kepa, who has also lost the faith of many Blues fans.
Chelsea will now listen to loan options for the Spaniard, in the hope that he can perform well without the pressure of playing for the Blues which appears to have dragged him down.
The hope of the Chelsea hierarchy is that Arrizabalaga will be able to find his form and feet elsewhere, allowing them to look for a bigger price when the transfer market is back on a more even keel next summer.
Ideally, Chelsea would be looking to recoup at least £40m of the keeper’s transfer fee but recognise that is simply not possible in the current market conditions.
Chelsea confirm Edouard Mendy transfer from Rennes for £22m
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
