Chelsea told to sanction Kepa Arrizabalaga exit after journalist’s ’75 per cent’ update – pundit
Alan Hutton has claimed Kepa Arrizabalaga “has to” leave Chelsea this summer.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Tottenham and Aston Villa defender suggested the Blues won’t be able to recoup “anywhere near” the £70million they spent on the goalkeeper.
According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio (30 July), Napoli are closing in on a loan deal for the 27-year-old.
Thomas Tuchel’s side are said to be “demanding” a £1.25million loan fee.
The London club are also said to be having to pay 75 per cent of Kepa’s £150,000-per-week salary if the deal is completed.
The Spanish shot-stopper has three years left on his contract at Stamford Bridge.
When asked if he thought Kepa could leave Chelsea, Hutton told Football Insider: “I think he has to in all honesty.
“Ever since [Maurizio] Sarri was in charge and the whole dilemma with the penalty situation and him not going off, it has kind of dramatically went down hill from there.
“He’s obviously a good keeper but the main sticking point will be the transfer fee and the wages. He’s obviously a high earner but he’s not hit the heights they expected.
“Mendy’s number one so he’s [Kepa] not going to play. After Chelsea bringing somebody in, it probably looks like he’ll have to go out.
“The problem is they’re not going to get the money that they want for him. Will it be a loan? I think that’s probably an option they’ll look at.
“They’re not going to get anywhere near £70million for him so a loan would probably be something that might suit them to cover the wages as well.“
In other news, a pundit has backed Chelsea to complete Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signing after update.