Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has had a less than impressive second season at Stamford Bridge.
The 25-year old Spanish goalkeeper has come in for some serious criticism for his high profile errors.
In his two seasons at Chelsea, Kepa has not felt like a number one goalkeeper. You only have to look back at previous keepers to see that. Perhaps following on from Carlo Cudicini, Peter Cech and Thibaut Courtois has been too much for the young keeper.
Let’s not forget that Kepa is the most expensive goalkeeper in history after signing from Athletic Bilbao for £71.6 million (€80 million) in 2018.
It should be noted, that a move for Kepa only materialised after number one target Alisson Becker chose Liverpool instead.
Interestingly, it is his actions in the League Cup final in 2019 that he is most remembered for so far at Chelsea. His refusal to be substituted did not go down well with both teammates and fans.
Amazingly, he kept his place in the team, but this season performances have asked more questions.
Kepa finished the season with just eight clean sheets this season. That is less than Matt Ryan and the relegated Ben Foster. It has also been the number of goals that has been the most worrying.
In the 33 games Kepa has played in the league he has conceded 47 goals, which works out at conceding 1.42 goals a game. Although not all those goals are his fault, 47 goals conceded is remarkably high for the world’s most expensive keeper.
With all that in mind I have created a shortlist of five goalkeepers, Chelsea should look at to replace Kepa.
Jan Oblak – Atletico Madrid
The Slovenian international has been in the conversation of the best in the world for the last five years. This season he finished with 17 clean sheets, more than double Kepa’s tally. With just 27 goals conceded in the league, he helped his side finish with the second-best defence in the league.
His best performance of the season came away at Anfield as dragged his side through to the next round of the Champions League.
Dean Henderson – Manchester United (on loan at Sheffield United)
The future England number one has had a remarkable first season as a Premier League player. After helping Chris Wilder’s side to the Premier League, the Yorkshire side was desperate to keep him again.
That has been a smart decision for Sheffield United. He finished the season with 13 clean sheets (five more than Kepa) and helped his side finish five points off a European place.
Gianluigi Donnarumma – AC Milan
Since making his debut at the age of 16 back in 2015 the Italian shot-stopper has not looked back. Since his debut, Donnarumma has made 177 appearances in all competitions.
This season, he has kept the third-most clean sheets in Serie A with 12. Also, since the retirement of Buffon, Donnarumma has become the undisputed Italian number one.
André Onana – Ajax
The Ajax keeper has caught the eyes of clubs around Europe since Ajax’s Champions League campaign last season.
The Cameroon international is a product of the Samuel Eto’o foundation which saw him join Barcelona.
The Spanish giants have regretted that decision and are rumoured to be interested in their former player. What also makes Onana so appealing is Ajax would not demand a huge fee for the keeper.
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen – Barcelona
Finally, we have German keeper Ter Stegen. The Barcelona number one has not had the greatest season with his side finishing second in La Liga.
However, with the Spanish side needing a complete squad overhaul they need to raise funds first. This would allow Chelsea to have an upper hand in the negotiations for the keeper.
