Former Chelsea star Mark Schwarzer believes Chelsea have taken a ‘huge risk’ in signing keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The 23-year-old arrived at Stamford Bridge on deadline day in a £71.8 million deal from Athletic Madrid – with the fee making him the most expensive goalkeeper in history.
Kepa was brought in as a last minute replacement for Thibaut Courtois, who left for Real Madrid following a summer of speculation he wanted to return to Spain to be with his family, who still reside their from his with Atletico Madrid.
Kepa is Spain’s second choice keeper behind David de Gea, and has impressed with his performances for Bilbao over the past two seasons, so much so that Madrid themselves considered a move for the youngster last year.
However Schwarzer believes bringing in such a young keeper to replace a proven international like Courtois is a big gamble for Blues.
Alvaro with a warm welcome for his two new teammates @kepa_46 and @Mateo_Kova23! 👊
📸 @AlvaroMorata pic.twitter.com/Mcr3bxkY5o
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 10, 2018
Speaking on The Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, Schwarzer said: “He was Spain’s number two and almost certain to go to Real Madrid but that didn’t work out – Zidane decided against it.
“So there’s huge, huge expectation in Spain of this guy.
“I think, like with any transfer, it’s a risk but this is a big one because I don’t know if he’s going to settle that quickly.
“You look at a lot of the Spanish players that have come to England and it’s taken them a long time, particularly goalkeepers, to settle.
“You talk about Alisson but at least he’s number one for Brazil. He played at a massive club in Roma for titles and Champions League football as well as a World Cup.
“But Kepa has had limited experience with one game for Spain.”
Kepa is expected to make his debut this afternoon as Chelsea take on Huddersfield in the Premier League opener.