Chelsea face £71m goalkeeping conundrum as Arrizabalaga eyes Stamford Bridge return

Chelsea, currently sitting second in the Premier League standings, has enjoyed a strong campaign under Enzo Maresca’s management. However, a persistent issue has cast a shadow over their otherwise promising season: the goalkeeping position.

Diaspora digital media reported that despite significant investment in recent years, Chelsea has struggled to find stability between the posts, with Robert Sánchez receiving widespread criticism for his performances since joining the club.

The dilemma over Chelsea’s goalkeeper was not one that originated during the current ownership. It is a legacy issue stemming from the Roman Abramovich era, during which significant funds were allocated to secure promising talent. Among the most notable investments was the £71 million acquisition of Kepa Arrizabalaga, who was hailed as one of Europe’s most promising goalkeepers at the time.

Kepa, currently on a season-long loan at Bournemouth, was last seen in a Chelsea shirt during a 1-1 draw with Newcastle United in May 2023.

At Bournemouth, the Spanish goalkeeper has established himself as a crucial figure, becoming the team’s first-choice option and consistently starting matches unless sidelined by injury or ineligible to play against his parent club.

The performances delivered by Kepa during his time at Bournemouth have not gone unnoticed. His reliability and skill set have impressed many, prompting speculation that the Cherries may explore a permanent move for the goalkeeper.

Reports have suggested that Bournemouth is interested in finalizing a deal either in January or following the conclusion of the season.

However, Spanish outlet Marca has indicated that such a move would be far from straightforward. Kepa, who remains under contract with Chelsea, is reportedly planning to return to Stamford Bridge to reassess his future once his loan spell ends.

The uncertainty surrounding Kepa’s long-term future has presented Chelsea with a significant challenge. While Sánchez has been entrusted with the starting role this season, his performances have left much to be desired, particularly in areas such as distribution and playing out from the back—traits that are heavily prioritized in Maresca’s system.

By comparison, Kepa is considered stronger in these aspects, potentially making him a more suitable candidate for Chelsea’s long-term plans.

Further complicating the situation is the presence of other goalkeepers within Chelsea’s ranks. Djordje Petrović, signed earlier in the season, had been favored by former manager Mauricio Pochettino but is yet to demonstrate the same level of composure and technical ability as Kepa and Sánchez. Meanwhile, Filip Jørgensen, another young talent, has also been considered for future opportunities, leaving Maresca with a potentially crowded field of options to evaluate.

The predicament has left Chelsea’s ownership, including Clearlake and Todd Boehly, grappling with a decision that could shape the club’s goalkeeping department for years to come.

Whether Kepa’s return will provide the solution or exacerbate the problem remains uncertain, but his potential reintegration into the squad will force Chelsea to weigh their options carefully.

As next summer approaches, the question of who will wear the gloves as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper will demand careful consideration. For Maresca, the task of navigating this £71 million conundrum will likely become one of the defining challenges of his tenure.