KEY POINTS

  • Blues reportedly interested in a couple of goalies
  • Kepa exit still fuzzy
  • Chelsea could be crunching numbers due to COVID-19

Frank Lampard is getting his fair share of criticism at the way he is managing stars on Chelsea FC. One of them is Kepa Arrizabalaga, the world's most expensive goalkeeper. The 25-year-old has been struggling under the system of Lampard although he has adapted before the season came to a halt.

But aside from that, there could be another reason why the Blues are reportedly looking at two goalkeepers. Most know that Chelsea has not been spared from the financial crunch. Hence, the chances of dealing Kepa could be a possibility. Rather than keep the Spanish football player, they could try and crunch numbers if other teams would be interested. The Blues acquired Kepa for a record $85 million in 2018 from Athletic Bilbao.

Two names have been linked to Chelsea. Andre Onana of Ajax is one of them, someone who could be available for the right price according to Erik ten Hag in a report from Algemeen Dagblad. If not Onana, there is also Roman Burki. of Borussia Dortmund. He has one year left in his deal with I Lancieri and the 29-year-old could be available for around $18.5 million according to The Sun.

The sudden interest in goalies is befuddling. For one, it appeared that Kepa had already settled down and adjusted to Lampard's system. Kepa said in a previous post that his relationship with the 41-year-old coach is going well, even lauding him for giving him renewed confidence. Also, Kepa mentioned he understood how Lampard needed to make difficult decisions for the benefit of the club.

But all these were before the financial crunch caused by COVID-19 came along. Clubs have been tightening their belts, hinting that moves by the next transfer window are likely to be minimal to none. There will be exceptions and Kepa could be a target if the Blues are letting him go. Proceeds could be used on a cheaper goalkeeper, giving the team some financial breathing room.

For now, it would be best to take these rumors with a grain of salt. Unless they had a change of heart, it is understood that Chelsea FC bosses wanted to see the benefits of that hefty investment to get Kepa to Stamford Bridge.

Proving his worth: Kepa Arrizabalaga kept a much-needed clean sheet in Chelsea's 2-0 win over Liverpool
Proving his worth: Kepa Arrizabalaga kept a much-needed clean sheet in Chelsea's 2-0 win over Liverpool AFP / DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS