Out-of-favour Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is reportedly open to joining Serie A giants Napoli.

According to a report by Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, Napoli have made Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga their top transfer target for the ongoing summer transfer window. The out-of-favour Spanish goalkeeper is also said to be open to joining the Serie A giants in search of more game time.

Kepa Arrizabalaga joined Chelsea in a record €80 million deal from Athletic Bilbao in the 2018 summer transfer window, making him the most expensive goalkeeper in football history. However, his time at Stamford Bridge has not turned out as planned and he has failed to fulfil the expectations.

The arrival of Edouard Mendy in the 2020 summer transfer window sent the Spaniard tumbling down the pecking order, and he has played second fiddle to the Senegalese international since. The 27-year-old is eager to leave the west London club in search of more game time after making just 29 appearances for the Blues over the last couple of seasons.

Serie A giants Juventus were among the first clubs to show interest in Kepa, but a move did not materialise. Lazio were also said to be monitoring the out-of-favour goalkeeper, with former Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri keen on a reunion. Kepa, too, was eager to join Lazio but they have instead signed Luis Maximiano from Granada.

Kepa looks set to depart Chelsea this summer (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Kepa looks set to depart Chelsea this summer (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Napoli have now emerged as potential suitors for the Chelsea outcast, with the Partenopei looking to add a goalkeeper with previous European experience under his belt to the squad. Kepa fits the bill, and a loan deal could be in the works.

As per the report, Chelsea will be happy to pay the majority of the Spaniard’s wages should the loan move materialise. But the two west London club and the Serie A giants are yet to reach an agreement over any possible deal.

Napoli are also said to be showing interest in Barcelona shot-stopper Neto. The Serie A outfit are set to extend goalkeeper Alex Meret’s contract but still want one more top-class goalkeeper signed this summer. Kepa still has three years left on his Chelsea contract, making a permanent move a possible costly affair for interested clubs.

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