In a recent interview with El Larguero (via Inside Futbol), Kepa Arrizabalaga offered an update on his future at Chelsea. Arrizabalaga said,
“There were things but the club always had their faith in me.
“They always wanted me to be part of their squad.
“We analysed the situation and I am happy to stay and be at this club.”
Arrizabalaga’s Recent Record At Stamford Bridge
The Spanish talent has often found himself on Chelsea’s bench over the past couple of seasons since the arrival of Edouard Mendy at Stamford Bridge back in 2020. He has fallen behind the Senegalese goalkeeper in the Blues’ pecking order but got a start on Graham Potter’s first match in charge of Chelsea versus Red Bull Salzburg earlier this week.
The 27-year-old has made 126 appearances for the West London club thus far, conceding 132 goals and securing 47 clean sheets on all fronts. Arrizabalaga can still be a solid shot-stopper on his day but at the moment, he is clearly not Chelsea’s first-choice goalie.
The Spaniard is earning £150,000 per week for playing a sporadic role in Potter’s squad. Hence, it is no surprise that he is happy with his life in the English capital.
Should Chelsea Boss Graham Potter Keep Hold Of Arrizabalaga?
Arrizabalaga has got decent reflexes that help him pull off a few solid saves at the back. He is not afraid to come out of his lines to clear the danger when needed and can be a good handler of the ball as well inside his penalty box. Arrizabalaga is a decent passer when attempting to play the ball out from the back.
However, the Spanish sensation has been guilty of committing a lot of high-profile errors during his Chelsea career so far which is the main reason why he is not guaranteed regular game time at the West London club anymore.
Arrizabalaga’s current contract with the Blues is set to run out in the summer of 2025. If Graham Potter can find a new buyer for him, he would be wise to consider selling the Spanish keeper as he is on high wages and is not good enough to rival Mendy for a regular starting spot in his first XI.
With things considered, Chelsea have no reason to keep hold of Arrizabalaga for the duration of his contract. However, based on his recent form, it would be difficult for them to ship him out of Stamford Bridge next year unless things change for him for the better.
