Chelsea Join Race to Sign Lazio Goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha

Chelsea is in the race to sign Thomas Strakosha from Lazio.

The player’s contract will expire at the end of the season, and The Blues are in the transfer market searching for a new shot-stopper since Kepa Arrizabalaga is looking to find a new team.

Since Kepa signed for Chelsea in 2018, he has not lived up to expectations.

The keeper had a remarkable season in 2018-2019, culminating in his penalty-saving antics that helped the team in the Europa League.

In the subsequent years, he made many costly mistakes that made him drop to the second choice.

He was also instrumental in the club’s Super Cup, and World Cup wins.

The only trophy he has not won at Chelsea is the Premier League.

Tuchel And Kepa Will Discuss The Player’s Future

The goalkeeper wants to move away during this transfer window as he seeks regular playing time.

The player desires to make it to the Spain National Team that will participate in the 2022 Qatar World Cup; thus, constantly playing at the top level will be instrumental in impressing the national team coach Luis Enrique.

Chelsea wants Albanian goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha to fill the number two position since Eduard Mendy is the undisputed first-team goalkeeper.

The Blues are also progressing in pursuing teenage goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina. The goalkeeper will remain on loan at his current club, Chicago Fire.

This means that The Blues’ most expensive goalkeeper may leave during the window, and he is to hold talks with Thomas Tuchel.

When asked about the issue, Tuchel stated that it depends on Kepa’s wants and plans. 

He reiterated his stance on the significance of having both keepers in the squad but was aware that Kepa was not thrilled about lacking playing time since he deserved to get more games.

When Kepa arrived, he was the first-team goalkeeper, but Mendy’s arrival made his situation more complicated.

Tuchel admitted that they had not talked about it, but he planned to interact with Kepa to identify possibilities and what was best for both parties.

This confirmed that Chelsea was in the market looking for Kepa’s replacement; suppose he leaves the club. 

Will Thomas Strakosha Fill Kepa’s Shoes

Even though he is the second-choice goalkeeper, Kepa is known for his strong personality despite the adversity much criticism against him.

His influence, especially during penalties, has been significant.

He has made seven crucial saves, more than any goalkeeper in the club’s history.

A lot needs to take place if Strakosha is to join The Blues.

Mendy is the first goalkeeper, so the only slot available is Kepa’s number 2 spot.

The problem is Kepa’s wages and price despite the club’s willingness to sell him.

Not many clubs can match his wage demands, but time will tell whether he will reconsider. 

Whether Strakosha will manage to be an adequate replacement remains to be seen.

His record indicates that he can be a good replacement since he kept 11 clean sheets in more than 30 appearances for Lazio in all competitions.

Other Clubs Interested in Thomas Strakosha

Another football club interested in the player is Fulham though the latest development makes their work more difficult.

If there is one thing, Fulham can offer the player that Chelsea can’t is the chance to play as the number 1 shot-stopper for the team.

Even though Chelsea can guarantee that the player will constantly challenge for silverware every year, Fulham can take advantage of the player’s concern about his development and assure him he will always play in the number 1 position.

The player is forced to choose if he wants constant playing time or if he wants to get trophies.

The chance to play for a big club like Chelsea does not come often, so many are waiting to see if he will jump at the chance.