Chelsea Transfer News: To replace the catastrophic Geronimo Rulli, Villarreal manager Unai Emery is looking to bring in a new goalkeeper. Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga as his first choice.
Chelsea Transfer News:Â Villarreal is already on the lookout for a new goalkeeper, according to Fichajes, after Geronimo Rulli’s poor performance in the Champions League semi-final against Liverpool.
Their prime aim is Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. He has remained steadfastly in second place behind Edouard Mendy in the Premier League.
Kepa Arrizabalaga, who was signed by Chelsea for a world-record sum, has struggled to get consistent playing time in the Premier League.
When the Premier League team agreed to pay his £72 million release clause, many people were taken aback. Many predicted that the Spaniard would go on to become a legendary goalkeeper at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea Transfer News: Kepa on his way out?
However, things did not turn out that way. The 27-year-old experienced a terrible couple of seasons until being finally displaced as the first-choice shot-stopper by Mendy.
Kepa might now be on his way out of Chelsea in the summer as he seeks more regular playing time. Newcastle United is said to be interested in signing the Spaniard. He has generated substantial interest in the Premier League.
Also interested in Kepa is Juventus. They are looking to replace Wojciech Szczesny on a long-term basis. Villarreal, on the other hand, is pursuing the shot-stopper. They want to make him their new No.1 goalkeeper.
These connections have emerged after Geronimo Rulli’s poor performance in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Villarreal. It allowed Liverpool to take advantage and go to the final by beating the Spanish club.
Even though Unai Emery would prefer Kepa to replace Rulli next season, the manager will hope that his club and Chelsea can agree.
Will Chelsea agree to the deal?
Chelsea might be able to recover a large amount of money from any suitors interested in signing the goalkeeper, despite his position as the second choice at the club.
Villarreal is looking for a trade for less than €20 million. But Chelsea is anticipated to demand a higher price. The La Liga heavyweights do not have enormous financial resources. This might make their pursuit of the former Athletic Club star more difficult to achieve.
It might be an opportunity for Kepa to return to Spain. There, he will be under less pressure than in the Premier League. A transfer to an English club, where he can play regularly, is also an option while returning to his home country might be the key to his long-term success.