Chelsea are so desperate to offload Kepa Arrizabalaga when the transfer window reopens that they may even consider loaning the player out, according to reports in the Italian media.

The Spaniard lost his place to Willy Caballero before reestablishing himself as the club’s number one at the beginning of last month, but manager Frank Lampard is said to be unconvinced by the shot-stopper.

There have been various keepers linked with replacing Kepa at Stamford Bridge in recent weeks, and it does seem that his days at the Blues are numbered.

The biggest issue is who would be able to afford to sign the 25-year-old. The keeper cost Chelsea £72m, and there is unlikely to be a team willing to pay anywhere close to that figure, especially in the current financial climate.

With that being the case, sending him out on loan for a year and allowing his value to appreciate, if he has a good campaign, could well be the best solution.