Chelsea: Summer transfers must include a new keeper

Chelsea’s 2020 summer transfers must include a new starting keeper to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal.

As the full summer transfer window approaches, one situation that will need to be addressed by Chelsea is the keeper position. There is no question that Frank Lampard should at least seek to provide competition for Chelsea’s No. 1 keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga in the summer window, if not sell him outright. All signs point to a move—it’s going to happen.

It is no great revelation that Arrizabalaga has underwhelmed since he came over from Athletic Bilbao. Unfortunately for him, it was the costliest keeper transfer in history. That is a big burden to try to live up to, especially for a young player. Unfortunately, he has not adjusted well. He has not excelled in the least. In fact, he has totally underwhelmed.

Brought in under Maurizio Sarri, Arrizabalaga is not even listed in the Premier League’s top 20 keepers in saves. His performance has fallen far short of expectations following a transfer for €80 million. Now, the transfer fee should not be deposited at the feet of the player by any means. However, the fee is a very public and visible sign of the acquiring team’s valuation of the player, if nothing else—this has been a nightmare for the club.

The transfer is an economic, public relations and on-field disaster. It is also a difficult situation for both the keeper and Chelsea’s fans. This issue needs to be resolved in the summer of 2020. In addition to his poor performance, Arrizabalaga also provided a very public instance of insubordination. Under Sarri, Arrizabalaga refused to leave the field as Sarri requested in a penalty situation and give way to Willy Caballero. This unusual example of open defiance of a club manager was almost inconceivable and is totally unacceptable.

One must conjecture that incoming gaffer Frank Lampard could in no way accept such a blatant disregard of the priority of the team over a player. One cannot help but wonder if that single instance clouded Lampard’s view of Arrizabalaga from the outset, whatever his performance. One could not blame him if it indeed had; it was egregious.

As Chelsea winds down its 2019-20 season, the Blues are centered on maintaining a top four position and accomplishing Champions League participation next season. Yet, an important decision that will greatly impact that future is how Chelsea manages its keeper situation for next season and beyond. It’s a tough decision for the club and Lampard to make. They can take several routes.

First, Chelsea can accept the status quo and keep Arrizabalaga as the starter. This confirms the club’s management decision—however painful—to overspend on Arrizabalaga after it missed out on the signing of Alisson Becker, who signed for Liverpool for less money. This is would be a political decision that does not stand up to on-field scrutiny. It would also be a bad decision.

Second, the team can bring into the team a top-flight keeper to compete with Arrizabalaga for the starting position. An example would be Andre Onana from Ajax. Another would be Dean Henderson, who is currently on loan from Manchester United at Sheffield. This would help the club save face by not sending the Spaniard out, but it’s not a good decision either. It keeps a sore spot in the team and if he plays poorly or is on the bench, it is a constant reminder of that inconceivable decision.

Third, the club can sell or loan Arrizabalaga—there have been reports of a potential loan/sale deal to Valencia in the media lately—and secure the signing of a top keeper to replace him. The loan scenario makes some sense politically as it helps the club’s reputation. Chelsea will then acquire a new top keeper and he will be slotted in as Chelsea’s starter in August or September whenever the new season begins. The team will start fresh and it will be geared to win.

But, a loan is not the best solution either as Arrizabalaga should be sold outright. This will be a public relations disaster initially. Yet, it is better for Chelsea to just cut its losses, take the financial and public relations torment and move on. This is the best situation for the club, the head coach, the team, the fans and frankly, even for Arrizabalaga himself. Arrizabalaga’s situation at Chelsea is untenable.

The sale would allow Lampard and his trusted adviser Petr Cech to go out and sign a keeper who they personally select from the start. It will be a clear stamp on the team for the manager and his comfort level will certainly rise as will the performances he’ll get from whomever he and Cech choose between the sticks.

This summer’s transfer window will be a watershed for Chelsea as it seeks to reconstruct a new dynasty to win silverware in the UK and in Europe. Lampard has made it clear that he will have little tolerance for underperformance from his players, no matter who they are. He will settle for nothing less than sustained excellence. All Chelsea fans should be thrilled at that sentiment.

The Arrizabalaga dilemma provides opportunities for Chelsea after the current domestic season ends. It is not an easy dilemma—far from it—but, the action that should be taken is clear. The mistake of two years ago must be undone and not allowed to fester and a new, better keeper should be acquired. A new era at Chelsea will begin with Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner and hopefully several other additions. One of these must be a new keeper; and a new defense in front of him wouldn’t hurt either. It needs to happen this summer.