The £72 million goalkeeping option of Chelsea football club is facing a question of continuity with Blues. Kepa Arrizabalaga is one of the top five keeping options that available now in Europe.
The 25-year-old custodian has got a contract with West London till 2025 and the future wasn’t discussed until the half of the current season. His term in Chelsea made him the no.1 of Stamford Bridge with an amazing performance in front of the goal.
The season stat of Kepa was disappointing compared to his previous campaign. Also, he missed out on a few games and the second keeper Willy Caballero claimed the spot with impressive goal-line works.
The transfer window of 2020 added Kepa’s name to the rumors corner and many of the spectators of the game predicted a move for the player. Along with the transfer, his relation with boss Frank Lampard is also a subject for gossiping in London. Spanish giants Valencia is interested in the keeper and they are preparing a bid. But their ex-keeper Neto is also knocking at the door of Los murcelagos.
NETO OR KEPA FOR VALENCIA
Norberto Murata Neto joined La Liga champions FC Barcelona last year. After his two year campaign with Valencia, the Brazilian didn’t get an expected welcome in Catalonia. He was side benches by the German catcher Marc-Andre ter Stegan and the 2019/20 season was worst for the player. He got only 4 games in Camp Nou for the entire season. It is clear that Neto is frustrated in the shadow of Ter Stegan and had a half-thought of returning to Mestalla.
30-year-old Neto and 25-year-old Kepa are the two choices for Valencia’s summer purchase. The Kepa deal would be obviously luxurious as Marina Granovskaia will charge a minimum of £70 million for the player. On the other hand, the Neto deal is affordable for Valencia as Barcelona has nothing to do with the keeper more.
According to Express, Kepa’s future will be dependent on the decision of Neto in Spain. The transfer market is actively bidding for the keepers and Kepa’s Chelsea exit is a possibility of summer.