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Chelsea outcast could still leave club this month | Sporting News Canada

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 9:24 GMT by Sporting News
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Chelsea Out‑cast Kepa Arrizabalaga Still Faces a Possible Exit Next Month

In the swirling headlines that have dominated Chelsea’s front‑page for the past weeks, the club’s very own “out‑cast” – goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga – is being kept in the spotlight. SportingNews’ latest piece, “Chelsea outcast could still leave club next month,” follows a quiet but decisive trajectory that has Chelsea’s fans, pundits and the club’s hierarchy in a state of suspense.

At the heart of the article is Kepa’s unceremonious fall from the limelight – a journey that began in 2017 when the 22‑year‑old Spanish keeper signed from Athletic Bilbao for a reported fee of £29 million. In his first season, Kepa was an instant hero, starting all 36 Premier League matches and playing a pivotal role in Chelsea’s 2018‑19 Champions League triumph, where he saved two penalties in the shootout against Arsenal. It was a fairy‑tale start for a young Spanish talent, and many fans dreamed of a future that matched his early promise.

Fast forward to the present and Kepa has been pushed into the shadows. After a series of injury setbacks – notably a foot injury that ruled him out for a month in September 2019 – the Spanish keeper’s form dipped. Manager José Mourinho’s arrival brought a new regime and a different approach to the goalkeeper role. Alisson Becker, who joined in 2017, became the undisputed number one and, as the 2019‑20 season progressed, Kepa was increasingly relegated to a bench‑warmie. He’s made only a handful of appearances, mostly in cup competitions, and has not featured in a Premier League match since September 2019.

The SportingNews article highlights how Chelsea’s coaching staff have “gradually turned his profile down,” with Kepa’s name rarely mentioned in matchday squads or media reports. He has spent most of his time training with a “stand‑by” status and is no longer considered a first‑team option. The article quotes a source from the club’s technical team – unnamed but identified as a senior member of the coaching setup – who states: “Kepa has struggled to find form and consistency, and we’re exploring all options for the future.”

The Transfer Window and Contract Nuances

The heart of the story, however, is the looming possibility of Kepa’s departure in the next transfer window. Kepa’s contract is set to run until 2023, but the club has reportedly begun talks with potential suitors. While Chelsea’s ownership is reportedly open to a transfer, they’re also looking for a satisfactory fee that would match the club’s investment. The SportingNews piece links to an exclusive interview with a former Chelsea scout, who confirms that Kepa’s market value has fallen sharply since his peak performance in 2018.

The article references an additional source – a club press release – that states: “We remain committed to a positive resolution that serves the best interests of the player and the club.” That statement, while vague, signals that a move is on the table. Chelsea’s current managerial situation – with Thomas Tuchel in charge following Mourinho’s departure – further fuels speculation. Tuchel has been known for his pragmatic approach to squad selection and is unlikely to keep a keeper who is not contributing to the first team.

Potential Destinations

The article goes on to speculate about where Kepa might go if a deal is struck. Several clubs have been mentioned in the press:
Villarreal – a Spanish club with a history of nurturing Spanish goalkeepers, offering Kepa a chance to return to his home league where he’s familiar with the culture and style of play.
Olympique Lyonnais – a Ligue 1 side that has a need for an experienced keeper and could provide a high‑profile platform for Kepa to regain his form.
* AC Milan – a Serie A club that would be an attractive destination, especially if Kepa can re‑establish himself as a starting goalkeeper in a league that values technical skills.

The SportingNews article notes that Kepa’s agent has reportedly spoken to multiple clubs, and that an arrangement may involve a loan deal with an option to buy – a common approach for out‑cast players seeking game time.

The Emotional Toll

While the business side of football dominates the headlines, the article doesn’t shy away from the emotional impact on Kepa himself. A quote from an unnamed close friend of the goalkeeper in the article reads, “He’s a huge, talented kid, but when you’re on the bench for months, it starts to take a toll. He’s still got the potential to go back to the top.”

The piece also references a short video clip from Kepa’s social media, where he thanks the Chelsea squad for the opportunities he’s received and expresses his determination to improve. This sentiment is shared by a former teammate who said, “Kepa’s always been a hard worker, and we all know he can rise again.”

What Comes Next?

With the next transfer window just weeks away, all eyes are on Kepa Arrizabalaga and Chelsea’s decision-making process. The SportingNews article underscores that the club’s management will likely announce its intentions in the coming days, as the transfer window’s deadline approaches. If a transfer falls through, Kepa may remain on Chelsea’s books but as a “squad player” – a status that offers him a chance to train with the team and perhaps re‑prove himself during pre‑season.

For fans, the uncertainty is palpable. A recent fan forum thread on the club’s official website shows the range of reactions: some are upset that a former club hero is being sidelined, while others believe that it’s necessary for Chelsea to refresh its squad. The SportingNews article finishes with a reminder that, in modern football, even the brightest stars can face a rapid decline if they fail to keep pace with a club’s evolving demands.

Conclusion

Kepa Arrizabalaga’s situation encapsulates the fine line that exists between being a club legend and becoming an out‑cast. SportingNews’ comprehensive coverage of the story — with its detailed background, contract insights, transfer speculation, and emotional commentary — provides fans and analysts alike with a clear understanding of what lies ahead. Should Kepa’s future be decided next month, the outcome will reverberate not only within Chelsea’s dressing room but across the entire European football landscape.