Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha has responded to rumours linking him with a switch to Chelsea this summer.
The 27-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Thomas Tuchel’s side, with Kepa Arrizabalaga’s future thrown into doubt.
The Spaniard is reportedly attracting interest from Strakosha’s Lazio as they search for a replacement for the Albanian, who is set to leave on a free transfer.
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The lack of game time at Stamford Bridge could see Chelsea’s most expensive goalkeeper could leave this summer as he is set to hold honest talks with Thomas Tuchel regarding his future.
“It depends what he wants and what his plans are,” Tuchel said last month over whether or not the Spaniard would remain at Chelsea next season.
“I know that we are very privileged to have Edou and Kepa in our squad but I also know for sure that Kepa is not happy about the situation because he deserved to play more and he can be a very strong number one. He arrived as a number one so the situation is not easy. He has been a fantastic team player since day one and never let anybody down.
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“We did not have a conversation yet but I know that the goalkeeper coaches have these conversations at the moment and then we will take our time to speak with him and reflect on what’s best and what the possibilities are. As a coach, of course I’m super happy to have both strong goalkeepers so let’s see.”
With the World Cup coming at the end of 2022, Kepa could search for first team football as he looks to make the Spain squad in Qatar.
Therefore, Strakosha could be brought in to replace the Spaniard on a free transfer.
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When asked about the rumoured move, Strakosha admitted: "I’m really honoured to be linked with a top club Chelsea, it’s a dream. I’m dreaming of Premier League since I was a kid."
Tutto Mercato Web continue to report that the interest in Strakosh is ‘concrete’ from Chelsea as the rumours have ‘found fertile ground’ ahead of a potential switch to Stamford Bridge.
The Albanian international has also been linked with a move to Fulham in the transfer window as he looks set for a move to London but must choose between becoming Fulham’s first choice or Chelsea’s back-up goalkeeper.
With Eddie Beach and Gabriel Slonina also set for moves to Chelsea this summer, the Blues will be set for goalkeeping options for the long-term.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Lazio, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Football
Nick Emms