Lazio are reportedly unsure they can sign Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga this summer with Newcastle United also in the chase for the Spanish international.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Maurizio Sarri is eager to reunite with his former goalkeeper, with the Italian coach making Kepa the most expensive goalkeeper of all time when Chelsea signed him for almost £72m as reported by Sky Sports News.
The transfer, as we know, has gone down in Premier League history as one of the worst in recent memory, with Kepa losing his starting XI spot within two seasons to Edouard Mendy, who has been a sensation for Chelsea since arriving from France.
With the Senegal international the clear no. 1 for the west London side, Kepa’s future is more than likely away from Chelsea, with Lazio and Newcastle both interested in the shot-stopper ahead of the summer.
Indeed, Chelsea are eager to cut ties with Kepa and run with the financial loss they have made on the former Athletic Bilbao star, and whilst Lazio are keen to sign the keeper, the Italian club fears Newcastle’s interest.
After all, Newcastle have the financial power to match Kepa’s sky-high wages, yet one factor that could play into Lazio’s hands is their current goalkeeper situation compared to the Toon’s.
Kepa could choose Lazio with Newcastle opening up bench fears
With Martin Dubravka, Karl Darlow and Freddie Woodman all on Newcastle’s books, spending big on Kepa could realistically see the Spaniard once again play second-fiddle should he underperform in the northeast, a problem the keeper might not experience with Lazio.
With Pepe Reina and Thomas Strakosha both expiring, Kepa would become Lazio’s starting keeper right from the start, and whilst Newcastle’s interest does seem believable, a move from England overall could be perfect for the Chelsea star given his time in the Premier League.
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