Napoli close to signing Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan

Napoli are close to reaching an agreement with Chelsea to take Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.

The Spaniard joined Chelsea in a £72 million deal in 2018. The fee was a club record fee for the English club at the time, but the goalkeeper has failed to impress.

The goalkeeper’s price tag weighed heavily on him, and every error raised uproar amongst the Stamford Bridge faithful. 

He was pushed down the pecking order when Edouard Mendy joined in 2020 and has failed to regain his number one spot. 

The 27-year-old is now keen on a new adventure that includes the promise of regular playing time, and Napoli have made him a priority signing this summer.

Kepa’s contract with Chelsea runs until 2025, so the Premier League outfit are in no rush to sell, but it is unlikely the goalie would want a third consecutive season playing second fiddle to Mendy.

Di Marzio reports that contacts between both clubs are alive, and they are getting closer to reaching a deal. 

Kepa’s enormous wages have put off several interested clubs. However, Chelsea and Napoli have reached an understanding for Kepa’s salary, with the Londoners expected to pay three-quarters.

An agreement still needs to be reached on bonuses, but there is a sense of optimism on both sides that a deal will be done. 

Kepa has made 123 appearances since joining Chelsea. He has kept 47 clean sheets in that time. He made 15 appearances last season, with just four coming in the Premier League. 

Napoli are also waiting for Alex Meret to sign a contract extension. However, the Italian goalkeeper is waiting to find out who would be the first choice between the sticks in Luciano Spalleti’s side.