Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has disclosed that Kepa Arrizabalaga could leave this summer after claiming that the Spanish international is not happy with his current situation at Chelsea.
Chelsea broke the record for the most transfer fee paid for a goalkeeper after paying Kepa’s £71.6 million release clause at Athletic Bilbao in 2018. the Spanish international has failed to live up to expectations and has lost his place to Edouard Mendy.
The Spaniard has become the backup to Edouard Mendy and he is often used in Cup matches. the 27-year-old has made only 11 Premier League appearances for Chelsea since 2020 including four Premier League starts this season.
Kepa Arrizabalaga has been linked with a potential move to Newcastle United, Juventus, Lazio, and Barcelona.
What did Tuchel say?
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Chelsea final Premier League game Tuchel said: “It depends what he wants and it depends what his plans are, but I know that we are very privileged to have You [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.
“So, no, we did not have a conversation about it. I know the goalkeepers’ coaches have these conversations at the moment and then we will take our time to speak with him.
“We must reflect on what’s best, what the possibilities are and I’m, of course as a coach, super happy to have both strong goalkeepers. Let’s see.”
Reece James has been sensational for Chelsea despite having injury problems this season but Thomas Tuchel believes the English international can become one of the best players in the world.
Tuchel added: “Not yet given the history of N’Golo and the titles and what he did over the years and with the national team, all the success. He (James) has everything that it takes to be one of the very best, but there is a long way to go for Reece.
“There is some incredible potential and he has the ability, the foundation, the body, the physique, the mindset to make his way to the very top, but there is still a long way to go. We will support him. We will push him so he can be that player for Chelsea.”
Thomas Tuchel also expressed his appreciation to the Chelsea Fans after they displayed a new banner to show their support for the German coach and everything he has done for the Club since arriving last year.
He added: “I was very happy – I never had a banner. I was looking at the banner for Mason Mount until somebody told me there was another banner on the other side [for me]. So very nice and thank you very much and I will do my best to earn it.”
