Chelsea set to make huge loss on world record signing

Chelsea face Championship side Blackburn Rovers in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening. 

After a difficult start to the season, the Blues looked to have turned things around when they followed up wins over Fulham and Burnley with an impressive draw against Arsenal, however defeat against Brentford last time out brought an abrupt end to that run.

Ethan Pinnock and Bryan Mbeumo were on the scoresheet for the Bees as Thomas Frank’s side earned a third consecutive victory at Stamford Bridge, leaving Chelsea 11th in the Premier League table.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino will be desperate to see his side progress in the Carabao Cup, which provides arguably Chelsea’s best opportunity to win a trophy this term.

Off the pitch, though, the club could be set to make a huge loss on one of the most expensive players in their history.

According to The Sun, Real Madrid are keen on the idea of signing Kepa Arrizabalaga permanently when his loan spell with the Spanish side ends.

Kepa has made a fine start to life at Real Madrid

Kepa became the most expensive goalkeeper in history when joining Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao for a fee of more than £71 million back in 2018, but his time at Stamford Bridge has so far been littered with mistakes and inconsistency.

In total he has made 163 appearances for the Blues but, after battling with Edouard Mendy for the first choice spot, both ‘keepers were allowed to leave the capital during the recent summer transfer window.

The 29-year-old returned to his native Spain, joining Real Madrid, and has since played a crucial role in helping Carlo Ancelotti’s side to top spot in La Liga.

It is claimed that the Spanish side are keen to make Kepa’s move permanent, but aren’t willing to pay more than £17.5 million for the Spain international.

That would represent a huge financial loss to Chelsea, who replaced Kepa with his fellow countryman Robert Sanchez over the summer.

Kepa, who has less than two years remaining on his current Blues contract, is said to be willing to take a pay-cut on his £176,000-per-week wage.