‘Kepa Arrizabalaga wanted by ex-Chelsea boss as Blues aim to sell record keeper’
Chelsea are looking to finally sell the world’s most expensive keeper as new interest emerges in Kepa Arrizabalaga.
One of Enzo Maresca’s first port of calls this summer will be to address the goalkeeping situation in West London.
Robert Sanchez has been a liability for Chelsea and following a series of high-profile errors, the Blues will likely look to find a replacement for the Spaniard.
Filip Jorgensen has deputised for the ex-Brighton man this season, but his performances have also been a cause for concern at times.
With Djordje Petrovic performing fantastically for Strasbourg in France, and the wonderkid Mike Penders set to join Chelsea in the summer, Maresca will have plenty of options to pick from.
However, according to The Times, one goalkeeper who will not be up for consideration is Arrizabalaga, who is currently enjoying a successful season-long loan at Bournemouth.
Antonio Conte’s Napoli showing interest in Kepa Arrizabalaga
According to the report from The Times, Chelsea want to negotiate a permanent sale for Arrizabalaga, with Napoli back in the hunt for the Basque keeper.
The Serie A table-toppers have previously tried to sign the 30-year-old, who will have just one year remaining on his contract with the West London club this summer.
Arrizabalaga, who moved to Chelsea from Athletic Club for £71.6million [Sky Sports] in 2018, which remains a world-record fee for a goalkeeper, has not played for Chelsea since May 2023.
If the Spaniard were to make the move, it would see him join up with former Blues boss Antonio Conte, who left the club just prior to his arrival six years ago.
Djordje Petrovic performances in France show he is ready to be Chelsea number one
Football Insider Verdict
Having made 23 appearances in the Premier League for Chelsea last season, Petrovic was sent out on loan to Strasbourg.
Maresca was keen to have a goalkeeper who was a proficient passer first and foremost and as such, Sanchez and Jorgensen were favoured over the Serbian international.
However, after a mistake-ridden season for the Spaniard in particular, the move looks to have been a mistake by the Italian.
| 2024/25 League stats | Sanchez | Petrovic |
| Appearances | 28 | 28 |
| Goals conceded | 31 | 32 |
| Clean sheets | 8 | 10 |
| Save percentage | 73.7% | 78.6% |
| Errors leading to goal | 5 | 0 |
| Pass accuracy percentage | 68.2% | 78.6% |
Petrovic has established himself as not only one of Ligue 1’s most reliable goalkeepers, making no errors leading to goals for his side, but also a top passing goalkeeper.
The 25-year-old has a passing accuracy of 78.6%, more than 10% higher than his Spanish counterparts distribution numbers, whilst also having a much higher save percentage.
Whilst there may be a temptation to once again look towards the transfer market for a solution, Petrovic’s numbers show the Serbian goalkeeper is more than deserving of a chance to become Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper.