Chelsea’s transfer strategy has changed as a result of Mauricio Pochettino’s willingness to make Kepa Arrizabalaga his primary goalkeeper for the upcoming season.
Although the new Blues manager won’t officially take over until July, he has made it abundantly clear that he admires the Spain goalkeeper, who is 28 years old and enjoyed a resurgence last season. Kepa was a member of the Spain team that defeated Croatia in the Nations League Final last night. Together with goalkeeping coach Toni Jimenez, Pochettino thinks he can advance Kepa to the next level.
Andre Onana of Inter Milan had been Chelsea’s primary target in the past; however, over the weekend, they pulled out of negotiations for a potential £50 million deal. Manchester United is now the front-runner to acquire his services.
Instead, the Blues will look for a second capable No. 2 who can challenge Kepa. Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili is one option. Edouard Mendy is in negotiations with Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli for a three-year contract. He will leave to make room for a new player.
This week, Chelsea hope to complete the acquisition of Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal and make significant progress in their pursuit of Moises Caicedo from Brighton.
Last week, Jackson, 21, began contract negotiations with Chelsea and reached an agreement over the weekend. In his last eight La Liga games, the Senegalese striker has scored nine goals. To secure his signature, the Blues must pay his £30 million release clause.
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