Chelsea vs Arsenal (Photo by Stephanie Meek – CameraSport via Getty Images)
So many times Chelsea had trouble cutting ties with high-profile signing despite the fact that they are struggling. So is it time for them to replace Kepa?
Chelsea has a problem.
Well, Chelsea has multiple problems. Despite succeeding everyone’s expectation and sitting pretty in the fourth place, the Blues have certainly lost their wings. The striker options need to be addressed, as well as a creative force in the midfield. The rotating door at the left-back would be better shut closed as well, with another calm presence in the back not too far behind.
However, perhaps the biggest question mark and the position that the fans seem to clamor for the most – goalkeeper.
Despite making Kepa Arrizabalaga the world’s most expensive keeper in the world, the Londoners might already be feeling the buyer’s remorse. Chelsea has allowed 32 goals – ghastly total compared to 26.17 expected goals against (xGA) per Understat. The Spaniard is also boasting a 53.6% save percentage – good enough for last place by a quite a margin.
So many times Chelsea had trouble cutting ties with high-profile signing despite the fact that they are struggling (see Torress, Fernando). So is it time for them to swallow the pill, open up their so-called war chest and replace Kepa? If so, these are the four players that the London club should look for.
Kepa Arrizabalaga</a> the world’s most expensive keeper in the world, the Londoners might already be feeling the buyer’s remorse. Chelsea has allowed 32 goals – ghastly total compared to 26.17 expected goals against (xGA) per <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/29/chelsea-4-potential-replacements-kepa-arrizabalaga/"https://understat.com/league/EPL">Understat. The Spaniard is also boasting a 53.6% save percentage – good enough for <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/29/chelsea-4-potential-replacements-kepa-arrizabalaga/"https://fbref.com/en/comps/9/keepers/Premier-League-Stats">last place by a quite a margin</a>.</p>
<p>So many times Chelsea had trouble cutting ties with high-profile signing despite the fact that they are struggling (see Torress, Fernando). So is it time for them to swallow the pill, open up their so-called war chest and replace Kepa? If so, these are the four players that the London club should look for.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/29/chelsea-4-potential-replacements-kepa-arrizabalaga/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> The French Invasion </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-478326" src=https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/29/chelsea-4-potential-replacements-kepa-arrizabalaga/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1196253691-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389" srcset="https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1196253691-850x560.jpeg 850w, https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1196253691-768x508.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 590px) 100vw, 590px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">Brest’s French goalkeeper <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/29/chelsea-4-potential-replacements-kepa-arrizabalaga/"https://fbref.com/en/players/b49729cb/Gautier-Larsonneur?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22>Gautier Larsonneur</a> holds the ball during the French L1 football match between Stade Brestois 29 and Amiens SC at the Francis Le Ble stadium in Brest, western France on January 25, 2020. (Photo by Fred TANNEAU / AFP) (Photo by FRED TANNEAU/AFP via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3 style="text-align: left">1. Gautier Larsonneur – Stade Brest</h3>
<p>By far the cheapest and the most obscure options out of these five, Gautier Larsonneur has quietly put together a dashing campaign in France for Stade Brest. The young Frenchman had the unfortunate task of facing the second-most shots in Ligue 1, something he will continue to do so if he makes the move to Chelsea. Thankfully, he also boasts the most saves in the league, posting an impressive <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/29/chelsea-4-potential-replacements-kepa-arrizabalaga/"https://fbref.com/en/comps/13/keepers/Ligue-1-Stats">76.2% save percentage</a>.</p>
<p>Perhaps the most insane statistic – Stade Brest’s xGA this season so far is 35.72 – bad enough for the second-worst in the Ligue 1. Actual goals conceded? TWENTY. SEVEN. That is close to NINE goal difference. The difference of 8.72 is far and away the best in France, beating the second place Rennes by over 5 goals, and is good enough to be the <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/29/chelsea-4-potential-replacements-kepa-arrizabalaga/"https://understat.com/league/Ligue_1">fifth widest margin</a> in the European top-5 leagues.</p>
<p>Not only is he a phenomenal shot-stopper, but he’s also quite adept with the ball at his feet. Larsonneur is third in Ligue 1 among goalkeepers in average passes per game while completing <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/29/chelsea-4-potential-replacements-kepa-arrizabalaga/"https://www.whoscored.com/Regions/74/Tournaments/22/Seasons/7814/Stages/17593/PlayerStatistics/France-Ligue-1-2019-2020">67.3% of his passes</a> – the very best among keepers who averages more than 30 passes.</p>
<p>Perhaps the best part regarding business – Larsonneur’s contract is set to <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/29/chelsea-4-potential-replacements-kepa-arrizabalaga/"https://www.transfermarkt.us/gautier-larsonneur/profil/spieler/357047">expire in 2021</a>, like certain someone we will meet later. Chelsea themselves saw what that could do for the sale of a player (see Courtois, Thibaut). He’s only valued at 7.25 million euros per Transfermarkt, and that would be a highway robbery for the player of his caliber.</p>
<p>Of course, there are concerns. He’s not exactly proven in the top league, as this is his first taste of the top-flight football. He is still only 22 years old, so there is no telling where Larsonneur is headed from here. However, if what we are seeing right now are any indications, the Frenchman will be a jewel between the sticks for a high-profile club in no time.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/29/chelsea-4-potential-replacements-kepa-arrizabalaga/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Another Record-Setting Transfer </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-478328" src=https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/29/chelsea-4-potential-replacements-kepa-arrizabalaga/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1196452742-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">Atletico Madrid’s Slovenian goalkeeper <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/29/chelsea-4-potential-replacements-kepa-arrizabalaga/"https://fbref.com/en/players/ee8508c0/Jan-Oblak?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22>Jan Oblak</a> (C) jmps for the ball during the Spanish league football match Club Atletico de Madrid against Club Deportivo Leganes SAD at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on January 26, 2020. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP) (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3 style="text-align: left">2. Jan Oblak – Atletico Madrid</h3>
<p>We go from the most obscure to perhaps the most ambitious. It’s not nearly a stretch to claim that Jan Oblak is the best goalkeeper in the world at this very moment.</p>
<p>Ever since his arrival at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in 2014, Atletico Madrid has been the ONLY team in La Liga to post a <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/29/chelsea-4-potential-replacements-kepa-arrizabalaga/"https://understat.com/league/La_liga/2014">positive xGA ratio in all five full seasons.</a></p>
<p>Furthermore, Oblak has kept clean sheets like it’s going out of style, achieving such feet at a ridiculous 54.3%. But wait, there’s more! Since joining, the Slovenian did not concede in <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/29/chelsea-4-potential-replacements-kepa-arrizabalaga/"https://en.as.com/en/2019/12/30/football/1577726579_667573.html)">55.2% of his games</a>. If I could capitalize numbers, I would have.</p>
<p>Of course, Atletico’s incredible defense certainly helps the case, as the Rojiblancos have consistently have been at the<a href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/29/chelsea-4-potential-replacements-kepa-arrizabalaga/"https://fbref.com/en/comps/12/keepers/La-Liga-Stats"> top of the class regarding shots against</a>, but it certainly should not discredit the quality of player that Oblak is.</p>
<p>So, the big question now is – why? As in why in the blue hell would Atletico let go of one of the best goalkeepers in the world? Well, they might not have a choice.</p>
<p>In La Liga, every player must have a release clause. Many times, teams would set a ridiculous price to make them essentially non-factor, such as Griezmann’s new 800 million euros release clause and <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/29/chelsea-4-potential-replacements-kepa-arrizabalaga/"https://fbref.com/en/players/70d74ece/Karim-Benzema?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22>Karim Benzema</a>’s infamous 1 BILLION euros release clause.</p>
<p>So what could possibly be one for the Oblak?</p>
<p>A surprisingly reasonable <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/29/chelsea-4-potential-replacements-kepa-arrizabalaga/"https://www.chicagotribune.com/90minutes/ct-90mins-oblak-signs-new-contract-at-atletico-madrid-through-2023-story.html">120 million euros</a>.</p>
<p>Now, that would make the Slovenian far and away the most expensive goalkeepers in the world, overtaking the current Chelsea keeper Kepa. In fact, that would be the <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/29/chelsea-4-potential-replacements-kepa-arrizabalaga/"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_most_expensive_association_football_transfers">fourth most expensive transfer in history</a>.</p>
<p>Would it be worth it? With all the war chest talk from the Chelsea board, I believe so.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/29/chelsea-4-potential-replacements-kepa-arrizabalaga/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> A Short-Term Solution </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-478329" src=https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/29/chelsea-4-potential-replacements-kepa-arrizabalaga/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1195396568-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">Crystal Palace goalkeeper <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/29/chelsea-4-potential-replacements-kepa-arrizabalaga/"https://fbref.com/en/players/ab13a5aa/Vicente-Guaita?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22>Vicente Guaita</a> in action during the Premier League match at Selhurst Park, London. (Photo by Nigel French/PA Images via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3 style="text-align: left">3. Vicente Guaita – Crystal Palace</h3>
<p>A player that is <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/29/chelsea-4-potential-replacements-kepa-arrizabalaga/"https://www.si.com/soccer/chelsea/news/report-chelsea-make-enquiry-for-crystal-palace-goalkeeper-vicente-guaita">heavily rumored</a> with Chelsea already, Vicente Guaita certainly sticks out like a sore thumb on this list. At age 33, the Spaniard is by no means the long-term answer like the rest of this list. Rather, this would be a sign that Chelsea is not ready to give up on their 80 million euros worth of headache.</p>
<p>It’s not like Guaita is some journeyman keeper making his rotation as a backup either – he is legitimately one of the best keepers in the league at the moment, anchoring the stout Crystal Palace defense. The Eagles are <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/29/chelsea-4-potential-replacements-kepa-arrizabalaga/"https://understat.com/league/EPL">leading the Premier League</a> in the difference between xGA and goals against with +9.24.</p>
<p>More importantly, this would also suggest a controversial vote of confidence in Chelsea’s young keeper. As detailed by our friends at <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/29/chelsea-4-potential-replacements-kepa-arrizabalaga/"https://theprideoflondon.com/2020/01/27/chelsea-tactics-transfers-kepa-defence/">the Pride of London</a>, perhaps Kepa’s struggle is a sign of bigger problems, and the blames should not fall solely on the Spaniard’s shoulder.</p>
<p>Despite the fans looking for the board to move on and ax the keeper, perhaps the team should look at a bigger picture and try to invest the so-called war chest into other areas of the pitch that desperately needs help, like a striker and a creative force. At the same time, the Blues would also be capturing a solid and legitimate competition for Kepa and a mentor from the same country.</p>
<p>It only helps that Guaita’s contract expires at the <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/29/chelsea-4-potential-replacements-kepa-arrizabalaga/"https://www.transfermarkt.us/vicente-guaita/profil/spieler/64399">end of next season</a>. Considering his age and the presence of <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/29/chelsea-4-potential-replacements-kepa-arrizabalaga/"https://fbref.com/en/players/76eca7e2/Wayne-Hennessey?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22>Wayne Hennessey</a> behind the Crystal Palace depth chart, this would certainly be a sensible transfer in many different aspects.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/29/chelsea-4-potential-replacements-kepa-arrizabalaga/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> The Golden Child </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-478330" src=https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/29/chelsea-4-potential-replacements-kepa-arrizabalaga/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1190290302-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">STADIO ATLETI AZZURRI D ITALIA, BERGAMO, ITALY – 2019/12/22: <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/29/chelsea-4-potential-replacements-kepa-arrizabalaga/"https://fbref.com/en/players/08f5afaa/Gianluigi-Donnarumma?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22>Gianluigi Donnarumma</a> of AC Milan looks down ahead of the Serie A football match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan. Atalanta BC won 5-0 over AC Milan. (Photo by Andrea Staccioli/LightRocket via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3 style="text-align: left">4. Gianluigi Donnarumma – AC Milan</h3>
<p>It is not every day that one of the best young goalkeepers in the world becomes available. That is exactly the case with Gianluigi Donnarumma.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia">
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<p>The young Italian made headlines at just age 16 when he debuted for Il Rossoneri and has now developed as one of the best shot-stoppers in the world at just age 20. The recent performances, where he kept three clean sheets in the last four games, including a seven-save masterpiece against Brescia to lead Milan to three straight wins, is just a sample size of what Donnarumma can do.</p>
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<p>Unfortunately for AC Milan, they might have to kiss their young prodigy goodbye a lot sooner than expected.</p>
<p>Donnarumma’s contract runs out at the end of next season, and the contract renewal talks have stalled, with super-agent Mina Raiola looking for <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/29/chelsea-4-potential-replacements-kepa-arrizabalaga/"https://www.90min.com/posts/6544674-gianluigi-donnarumma-s-ac-milan-future-up-in-the-air-again-as-contract-renewal-talks-rumble-on">a sizable increase in wages</a> that Milan has been hesitant to meet.</p>
<p>The agent also has concerns regarding the state of the once-giant Italian club. Raiola claims that this isn’t the Milan that <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/29/chelsea-4-potential-replacements-kepa-arrizabalaga/"https://www.milannews.it/news/raiola-il-milan-non-credo-che-sia-la-squadra-che-maldini-e-boban-sognano-359508">Maldini and Bobam dreamed.</a> The fall of Il Rossoneri seems to continue into this season, with the club sitting in the eighth place in the Serie A with the dooming prospect that they will once again miss the Champions League for the fifth year straight. It’s not as if they are just sitting on their hands – Milan has spent over 500 million euros in just the last three seasons and has nothing to show for it. Perhaps Raiola’s criticism was quite justified.</p>
<p>So naturally, the sharks are smelling blood and circling the 20-year old keeper. The reports suggest that <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/29/chelsea-4-potential-replacements-kepa-arrizabalaga/"https://sempremilan.com/corsera-real-madrid-lead-three-clubs-in-chase-for-milan-star-with-e70m-valuation">Real Madrid, Juventus, and PSG are chasing the Italian with 70 million euros valuation</a>.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Jose Mourinho wants to deal Manchester United a bitter transfer blow" data-url="https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/28/jose-mourinho-wants-deal-manchester-united-bitter-transfer-blow/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/29/chelsea-4-potential-replacements-kepa-arrizabalaga/"https://playingfor90.com/2020/01/28/jose-mourinho-wants-deal-manchester-united-bitter-transfer-blow/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Jose Mourinho wants to deal Manchester United a bitter transfer blow </a> </div>
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<p>If Donnarumma is indeed available, Chelsea would be foolish not to consider the idea. Not unlike Oblak, the Italian will come at a heavy price – something the London club might not consider after the Kepa deal, but this is a generational talent that could stand between the sticks for decades to come.</p>
<p>Who do you think should replace Kepa? Should he be replaced at all?</p><!—pageview_candidate—></p>">