With the announcement of Chelsea’s acquisition of Edouard Mendy for Ligue 1, Kepa Arrizabalaga has come under an increased threat for his position. The Spaniard, brought in last year on a deal worth a reported 71 million pounds, has yet to live up to his position as the most expensive goalkeeper in the football world.
Kepa was heralded as the future between the sticks at Chelsea as he was bought in by new manager Frank Lampard from the Spanish side Athletic Bilbao. After a promising start, a series of high-profile errors have resulted in an increased spotlight on the Chelsea number 1 over claims his performances have not justified his inclusion within the side.
Whilst Frank Lampard has repeatedly stated that he has no desire to replace Kepa as his goalkeeper, the purchase of Edouard Mendy reveals that the Chelsea goalkeeper now has no more room for error.
Having been the center of high-profile errors in goals last season, Kepa has been unable to win over fans with his performances this season. He has started the season with an error against Brighton, allowing a deep shot from Leandro Trossard to nestle in the back of the net.
Mendy has long been establishing a reputation as an established in the French league, Ligue 1, and it is expected he will take the place of Kepa upon his arrival and assimilation into the squad.
Whereas Kepa has put in stellar performances for the blues, most notably in their FA Cup win over Liverpool, a lack of consistency has resulted in a loss of form. His most notable moment in a Chelsea shirt remains his refusal to be subbed off in the FA Cup final loss to Manchester City in 2019.
Previous failed attempts to sign goalkeeper Alisson, now at Liverpool, resulted in Chelsea paying more than they had originally planned to secure Kepa’s signature following the departure of Thibaut Courtois to Real Madrid 2 years ago. Chelsea tried to offload the keeper in the transfer window but could not find a suitable offer.
