Chelsea leave door open for want-away goalkeeper with Italian clubs eyeing transfer

Chelsea will reportedly not stand in the way of Kepa Arrizabalaga if he decides to move on for more playing time this summer.

The Spain international has endured a wretched last two seasons, despite arriving at Stamford Bridge as the most expensive goalkeeper of all time.

He was actually quite impressive in his first season under Maurizio Sarri and a reunion with his former boss has been mooted, even though he will have to take a significant pay cut to make the deal happen.

Chelsea will look to start the Todd Boehly era when the summer transfer window opens, but there could be more exits before the team takes shape for next season.

Antonio Rudiger has already left while there are genuine concerns over the commitment of Andreas Christensen, who is widely reported to be joining Barcelona.

Then there is the contract situation of captain César Azpilicueta, who is being pursued by Xavi and could yet still leave despite triggering a one-year extension on his current deal.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is aware of  Kepa’s desire to play more and give himself a chance of getting back to form and possibly getting back to the Spain team that will play at the World Cup.

But the fact that Edouard Mendy has been almost faultless means Kepa’s ultimate aim of getting back his number spot is almost impossible at this stage, and he’ll be better off moving on.

Last season when Tuchel was asked about the future of the Spain international he was evasive, ultimately choosing to leave the decision to the goalkeeper to make.

The Chelsea boss said: “It depends what he wants and it depends what his plans are, but I know that we are very privileged to have Edou [Mendy] and Kepa in our squad.

“I know for sure that Kepa is not happy about the situation and he deserves to play more and he can be a strong number one.

“He arrived as a number one goalkeeper so the situation is not easy. I can tell you that he is a fantastic team player since day one and always was and never let anybody down.”

The Blues are yet to make a signing this summer but have seen the sale of the club come to a successful conclusion.