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Chelsea set for £71m transfer headache as loanee looks set for Stamford Bridge return in 2025

Mitchell Tapner

Wed 11 December 2024 15:45, UK

Chelsea currently sit second in the Premier League right now, with life going ever so well for Enzo Maresca and his side.

The one glaring issue in the team however, is the goalkeeper. Robert Sanchez has faced a huge amount of criticism for his performances since arriving at the club. It has been a problem position for Chelsea over the years, despite the amo⭕unt of money invested.

It has since been a problem that still weighs on Clearlake and Boehly’s shoulders. Interestingly, one was created by the Roman Abramovich regime, who decided to spend on one☂ of Europe’s hot prospects a𝕴t the time.

Kepa Arrizabalaga set to return to Stamford Bridge after loan spell

Kepa Arrizabalaga signed for Bournemouth on a season-long loan from Chelsea last summer. His last game for the Blues came in a 1-1♐ draw with Newcastle United in May 2023.

The 30-year-old has since est🧸ablished himself as Bournemouth’s first-choice goalkeeper, starting all𒀰 available matches except when injured or facing his parent club, Chelsea.

His strong performances have sparked interest𓆉 from the Cherries in making his loan move permanent, potentially in January or after the season.

However, Spanish outlet reported that any suggওestions for a permanent deal will be challenging, and Kepa is reportedly planning to return to Chelsea to evaluate his future. Despite the contract length that still remains, his Stamford Bridge future remain uncertain.

How Kepa compares to current Chelsea goalkeepers

The long-term whereabouts of Kepa remain, with ♏the Spaniard potentially a better fit than Robe♏rt Sanchez in regards to distribution and playing out the back.

Djordje Petrovic was favoured by Mauricio Pochettino, albeit the Ser🐎bian’s ability to play out the back is not on the level of Arrizabalaga and Sanchez – a huge trait that Maresca de🎃mands from his goalkeeper.

With Filip Jorgensen also ♔within the Chelsea goalkeeping ranks, Maresca will likely have a tough task on his hands next summer when it comes to choosing his Blues number one.