Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga’s dip in form blamed on split with ex-girlfriend. The most expensive keeper in the world was last seen warming the bench at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea purchased Kepa Arrizabalaga from Athletic Bilbao for a massive £71.6 million in the summer of 2018. This made him the most expensive keeper in the world. The transfer was done in the hopes of filling the void left by Thibaut Courtois’ departure to Real Madrid.
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He had a decent first season with the club and many expected him to further improve in his second season. Instead however, his performance has regressed. So much so, that Frank Lampard saw it fit to bench him for 38-year old Willy Caballero in their last match against Leicester City.
Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga’s dip in form blamed on split with ex-girlfriend
El Mundo, per the Mirror, have attributed the loss of form to recently splitting up with his long-term girlfriend Andrea Perez, with whom he had been together for 9 years. The report claims that those close to him are very clear that her absence has shaken him badly.
They have quoted an unnamed friend saying:
“His partner went with him to London when he left his former club Athletic Bilbao and had been his rock until the relation ended.
“His parents, who still live in the Basque town of Ondarroa, try to spend time with him but emotionally he’s pretty low at the moment.”
It is being reported that Frank Lampard has demanded a new goalkeeper at Stamford Bridge next season and does not want to keep Kepa in his employ. Athletic Bilbao are said to be interested in bringing their ex player.
However, Kepa still has until the end of the season to bring a reversal in his fortunes. Although, there is a huge possibility that going forward it will be Caballero donning the gloves. At least for the next few months.
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