Chelsea is facing a possible financial setback as they contemplate the sale of a record signing, Kepa Arrizabalaga, which could result in a significant loss of £63 million compared to their initial investment. Over the past three transfer windows, Chelsea has been quite active in the market, parting ways with high-profile players like Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, and Mateo Kovacic to generate funds for new acquisitions. While these sales have brought in substantial fees totaling over £230 million, Chelsea is now considering allowing Kepa to leave at a considerable financial deficit.
Real Madrid has expressed interest in keeping Kepa beyond his loan spell and is willing to offer Chelsea £8.7 million for the Spanish goalkeeper. Chelsea had initially acquired Kepa for a whopping £72 million from Athletic Bilbao in 2018, setting a record for a goalkeeper transfer. Despite winning the Europa League in his first season, Kepa’s time at Stamford Bridge hasn’t lived up to expectations.
Experienced goalkeeper Willy Caballero replaced him during Frank Lampard’s tenure before Chelsea brought in Edouard Mendy as the new No.1. This summer, both Mendy and Arrizabalaga left, with the latter joining Real Madrid to fill in for the injured Thibaut Courtois. Kepa’s performances at Real Madrid have apparently impressed their hierarchy, leading to consideration of a permanent transfer next summer as Courtois’ backup. However, the proposed transfer fee is significantly lower, exceeding £63 million less than Chelsea’s initial investment, which could complicate the deal.
Despite the potential financial loss, Chelsea, under the ownership of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, has shown a willingness to let players depart the club to finance the acquisition of new, younger talents. Currently, Robert Sanchez is serving as the club’s goalkeeper, and manager Mauricio Pochettino has expressed his satisfaction with the Spaniard, even after a recent mistake in a match against Arsenal. Pochettino acknowledged the error but remained supportive of Sanchez.
