Former Chelsea star Pat Nevin believes Kepa Alizabaraga should consider more playing time at Stamford Bridge next season.
Kepa spent last season on loan at Bournemouth and did a decent job there, even if he struggled to impress him before when he started the Chelsea game.
The Blues currently have many other “keepers ahead of Kepa in the pecking order, but Nevin thinks the Spanish shot stopper is as good as any of them.
He admits he can’t see it happening, but critics have suggested that Enzo Maresca can do well to bring Kepa back to the Kelsea team next season.
Should Chelsea give Kepa another chance?
“The goalkeeper position is a tough position for Chelsea because they’re looking for young people,” Nevin told Spin Ginny, cited by Metro.
“But goalkeepers like centre-backs don’t belong to them until they’re 25 or 26. They’re two very specific positions in that respect.”
He added:
“I think the solution to their goalkeeping problems may already be at the club. Kepa is as good as the goalkeeper we mentioned, and he is an option that Chelsea thinks is worth revisiting.
“I don’t know if you think the ownership system is the same, but he’s there and they’re paying him.
“If he is the best option at the club, after learning a lot during lending this season, Chelsea should not look around the world for another goalkeeper.
“Kepa has good legs and is a great shot stopper. You can question his presence and that’s Chelsea’s challenge, but I don’t think that’s their biggest problem.”
Kepa heads to Arsenal
Nevin certainly won’t be happy. In that case, it looks like Chelsea are ready to sell Kepa to Arsenal this summer instead.
Charles Watts reported Catch off side Gunner is approaching Kepa’s signature, but he was certainly just a backup to Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta already has David Raya as a quality choice for the number one spot. Kepa is a great option for Cup matches.
In particular, this decision only strengthens one of their main rivals, so it’s certainly difficult to understand why Chelsea won’t give Kepa another chance because they lack options in that position.