Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is only being considered as a loan option by Newcastle United in the summer transfer window.
The Mail reports that the Spanish stopper is on Newcastle’s wish list, but only on a temporary deal whereas PIFs other reported goalkeeper targets are seen as potential permanent signings.
Also on the Magpies goalkeeper radar are England duo Sam Johnstone and Dean Henderson while Arsenal’s Bernd Leno is another stopper mentioned.
Leno has found himself in a similar situation to Kepa – signed for big money but they both found themselves playing second fiddle to Aaron Ramsdale and Edouard Mendy respectfully.
Kepa Arrizabalaga needs summer move
Although Martin Dubravka is Newcastle’s current number one, according to 90min, the Toon Army have made it clear to the Slovakian that if he wants to embark on a new chapter this summer the club will not stand in his way.
After being signed from Athletic Bilbao for £71m (BBC Sport) – the highest fee ever paid for a goalkeeper, and a club record transfer for Chelsea, the move hasn’t worked out for Kepa.
The 27-year-old faces a nigh on impossible task ousting Mendy as the European and world champions’ number one.
Just like David de Gea, Kepa has lost his place in Luis Enrique’s Spain squad and with the World Cup drawing ever nearer, the man who wears shirt number one at Stamford Bridge needs a summer move to bolster his chances of being part of the national squad that travels to Qatar.
A loan move to Tyneside may suit all parties as Chelsea will be well aware that they are highly unlikely to recoup anywhere near the £71m they splashed out on Kepa in August 2018.
Signing the Spaniard on loan will allow Newcastle to spend money elsewhere which will be vital as they look to steadily improve the squad.
The question will be whether Eddie Howe is convinced that Kepa is the man who dominate his penalty area and also bring an air of calmness to his backline.
The eleven-time Spanish international can be erratic at times and is more than capable of producing a huge error.
Whether a move to St James’ Park materialises or not, it would be a huge surprise to see Kepa Arrizabalaga still at Stamford Bridge once the summer transfer window slams shut.