Kepa Arrizabalaga ‘wants to STAY at Chelsea and convince fans he can be their long-term No 1’

Kepa Arrizabalaga has no intentions to leave Chelsea and wants to bounce-back from difficulties enduring in the past seasons to become the club’s long-term number one, according to reports.

The Spaniard became the world’s most expensive goalkeeper in five years ago when he moved from Athletic Bilbao for a record £72million, but has struggled to live up to the hype that engulfed his arrival.

He looked set for a summer departure with Ligue 1 side Nice among the mentioned parties linked with making a move, but the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as Chelsea’s new leader has convinced him to fight for his place at Stamford Bridge.

Pochettino is bringing goalkeeping coach Toni Jimenez with him to London and it is Kepa’s close personal relationship with Jimenez that makes him believe he can resurrect his Chelsea career, according to the Sun.

The duo have apparently been in discussions since the end of the season and are already putting a plan together to help Kepa become a formidable force between the sticks. 

Kepa Arrizabalaga reportedly wants to stay and fight for his position as Chelsea’s number one

The arrival of Mauricio Pochettino (pictured) at Chelsea has reportedly inspired Kepa to stay at the club

The 28-year-old previously lost his place to Edouard Mendy during Chelsea’s run to Champions League triumph in 2021, but regained his status last season.

However, Kepa like the majority of his team-mates fell to pieces as the Blues endured a nightmare campaign that saw Graham Potter lose his job as they limped to a 12th-place Premier League finish.

Mendy, meanwhile, appears braced for a move to heavy-spending Saudi Pro League and is on the verge of joining Al Ahli ahead of a proposed medical on Monday.

There is an apparent belief within the Chelsea ranks that Kepa can improve, although his stats since moving to England are a damning review of his talents.

He has made 163 appearances in all competitions since 2018 and won the Champions League, Europa League, and Club World Cup.

However, the shot-stopper has managed just 59 clean sheets in the process and conceded 175 strikes during his time at the club.

Pochettino must not only build his goalkeeper’s confidence but will have to be wary of any attitude problems that saw Kepa fall out with former boss Maurizio Sarri.

Tempers boiled over in the 2019 Carabao Cup final against Manchester City when the Chelsea star refused to be substituted and remained on the pitch despite his manager’s pleas to come off.

Kepa (orange top) believes he can improve at Chelsea to become the club’s long-term number one

Kepa reportedly shares a close relationship with new goalkeeping coach Toni Jimenez (pictured) and has been working on plans to improve his game

The Spaniard has endured a disappointing few seasons at Chelsea following a bright start to his career in England

Kepa eventually apologised for his actions but his reputation had already been tarnished by the incident. 

Struggles at Chelsea were further highlighted by his lack of involvement with the Spain national team that saw Kepa miss out on a World Cup spot last year.

He has since completed two 90 minute appearances in March but was left on the bench for Spain’s recent Nations League victory over Croatia.

Kepa’s future at Chelsea appears secure for the meantime, but academy product Mason Mount could still leave after Manchester United made repeated bids to secure his transfer.