Kepa Labelled ‘Biggest Flop’ In Chelsea History

Kepa hit an all-time low on Sunday when he gifted Sadio Mane possession to score Liverpool’s insurance goal as Chelsea lost 2-0 to the champions at Stamford Bridge.

The Spaniard’s latest goalkeeping error did little to quell criticism directed in his path after a series of inept performances stretching back to last season.

The 25-year-old, who joined Chelsea in a £71m deal from Athletic Bilbao two seasons ago, faces a fight to keep hold of the number one jersey after the Blues agreed a £20m fee with French Ligue 1 side Rennes for goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Chelsea have had some big-money signings fluff their lines at Stamford Bridge in the past, not least Andriy Shevchenko and Fernando Torres, who joined for then British transfer record fees of £30m and £50m respectively.

Sutton, who also failed to live up to expectations when joining Chelsea for £10m in 1999, believes Kepa represents the worst value signing in the club’s history.

The former Blues striker told the Daily Mail: “You can spend a king's ransom on your attack but if your goalkeeper can't even catch a cold, then what's the point?

“Kepa Arrizabalaga cost Chelsea £71.6 million in 2018 but has never proven worthy of being the world's most expensive goalkeeper. In committing another clanger [in a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool] he further established himself as Chelsea's worst value signing in the Premier League era.

“Maybe their worst since I cost them £10m! I moved to Stamford Bridge for big money in 1999. It didn't work out and a year later I was sold to Celtic for £6m.

“It happens. Sometimes it's best to move on. You could also name Fernando Torres at £50m (though a few Chelsea fans might say that historic semi-final goal against Barcelona was worth the fee alone). Andriy Shevchenko at £30m, too. But Kepa surely beats all of us. Sadio Mane's goals on Sunday meant he had conceded 11 of the last 16 shots he's faced.

“In football, you always get a chance to redeem yourself. I got that at Celtic, and Kepa might have to go prove himself elsewhere, too. Edouard Mendy cannot arrive from Rennes soon enough for Frank Lampard, who is under big pressure to win a trophy this season.

“Chelsea aren't the type of club who say: 'No problem - have another go next season!' Lampard knows as well as anyone that silverware is a must.”