According to The Sun, Chelsea are ready to send the out-of-favour Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan to Sevilla. The £150k-a-week shot-stopper has come under increasing levels of scrutiny after a glut of poor performances that ultimately led to the club signing Edouard Mendy.
A product of the famed Athletic Bilbao academy, Kepa started out with them in 2004. He played through the youth levels and was sometimes called to the senior side. While he was in the U-19s, he was sent to Basconia for two seasons.
After returning, he was promoted to the senior side but was sent on loan to SD Ponferradina. Another loan spell followed to Real Valladolid and it was only after those loan spells that he started to get regular game time for Bilbao.
In 54 appearances for the Basque club, he kept 15 clean sheets (source – Transfermarkt). His performances attracted the attention of Chelsea and they signed him. Since then, it has not been going quite well for the Spaniard.
He has kept making school boy errors, which has cost the club a lot of points. Kepa has also made 11 appearances for Spain so far.
It’s never easy bearing the tag of the costliest player in your position. Kepa has had to bear that tag for over two years now as it hangs like a weight on his neck. He has looked utterly short of confidence in recent times. Shots slipping through his gloves, fumbling with the ball when trying to claim it, parrying it into dangerous areas, these are just some of the glaring errors he makes on a regular basis.
As expected, the scrutiny levels have only increased after every game. It feels like the keeper needs some time away from all the spotlight. A move to Sevilla will give him a chance to return to his homeland. He can focus more with much less media attention.
It was in Spain that Kepa performed his best and it could be Spain again where he rediscovers his form. Kepa needs some time away from Chelsea. Edouard Mendy has already staked his claim as Chelsea’s No.1. There are slim chances that Kepa can displace him now. A loan deal could do him and the club a world of good.
