The Albanian international’s arrival at Stamford Bridge still has to depend on Kepa’s future with the Blues.
Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha is being linked with transfer rumors to Chelsea and could join in for free.
The Albania international will be without a club this summer after making 208 appearances for Serie A’s top club during his decade-long career in the city of Rome.
The 27-year-old goalkeeper is now looking for a new challenge and admits a move to the Premier League would be an exciting move for him.
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Does Strakosha want to join Chelsea?
The Blues already have the number one goalkeeper in Senegal international Edouard Mendy.
However Strakosha had told Here We Go Podcast on his rumors to the English giants: “I’m really honored to be linked with a top club like Chelsea, it’s a dream. I’ve dreamed of the Premier League since I was a kid.”
Will Kepa Arrizabalaga stay at Chelsea?
It will be difficult for Strakosha to move in as long as Kepa Arrizabalaga is at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea having plans to bring in a young signing to support Thomas Tuchel’s long-term plans.
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There has been much talk of a move elsewhere for the Spaniard, who remains by far the most expensive goalkeeper in the world after coming to England from Athletic Bilbao for £71m in 2018.
Since then Kepa has been marginalized at Chelsea, especially with the emergence of Mendy’s brilliance. No doubt, so far rumors of his transfer out of west London have strengthened even though no club has publicly stated an interest in him.
Will Chelsea be interested in signing Strakosha?
By Nizaar Kinsella – Chelsea correspondent for GOAL
There are many things to consider for Strakosha to join Chelsea.
Mendy is the irreplaceable number one goalkeeper so far so the possible role he will be available is as a back-up, that too is still awaiting the clarity of Kepa’s future.
Salary and price tag is a problem for Chelsea to be able to sell Kepa. The player actually wanted to leave after losing his role as Spain’s goalkeeper at the 2022 World Cup.
