Newcastle transfer news: Chelsea plan to sell Toon target Kepa Arrizabalaga

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Chelsea reportedly plan to sell Kepa Arrizabalaga this summer amid claims Newcastle are interested.

The Daily Star have linked the Magpies with Kepa, and ESPN report that the goalkeeper is set to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.

The Spaniard has barely featured this season, so it’s no wonder he could be sold.

Kepa filled in for Edouard Mendy whilst he was away at the African Cup of Nations. Chelsea coach Arno Michels labelled him as ‘fantastic‘ for his performance against Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup. But Mendy has been number one ever since his return.

In the Premier League, he’s struggled at Chelsea. He’s not lived up to the £71million (BBC Sport) price tag the Blues paid.

A goalkeeper is not a priority for Newcastle – they shouldn’t sign Kepa

Martin Dubravka has been reliable for Newcastle United. Kepa Arrizabalaga wouldn’t be an upgrade on him. Considering how lacklustre he’s been at Chelsea and the wealth the Magpies have, they can do better.

Perhaps Eddie Howe is eyeing up another goalkeeper. Other Newcastle transfer targets would be better choices than Kepa. The Sun reported that they’re willing to pay £20million for Robert Sanchez of Brighton. He would be a much better purchase.

Honestly, I’d personally be happy with Dubravka for next season. Over the years he’s put in some top performances. He’s definitely won more points for Newcastle than lost, so it would be very harsh to replace him.

The priorities should lie elsewhere when it comes to Newcastle transfer targets. Improvements in defence need to be made. Additionally, Howe needs to bolster his attacking options.

Whilst the fee that Chelsea paid for Kepa will not be matched, the fee they’d want wouldn’t be worth the value. If the Toon want a replacement for Dubravka, there are much better goalkeepers they could pursue.

Another club could well eye up Kepa this summer. PIF made some intelligent purchases in January and some fans will trust them to do so again. But a signing like that could displease some supporters, so who Newcastle bring in this summer is very important.