Opinion: Chelsea’s latest acquisition is no more than a panic buy

Chelsea have signed luring goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Athletic Bilbao.

In a move reportedly worth over £70 million, Chelsea have signed the 23-year-old as a replacement for Thibaut Courtois who is heading to Real Madrid.

Chelsea are also looking to secure the services of Mateo Kovacic on a season-long loan.

Bad business by the Blues.

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While the Kepa signing, on the face of it, looks like Maurizio Sarri placing trust and investment in youth, scratch the surface and the transfer smacks of a quick, thoughtless buy.

Thibaut Courtois effectively forged his own move to Real Madrid, having refused to turn up to Chelsea training for the previous few days, hence why the Blues have slammed hard on the panic button and brought in a goalkeeper who has little experience in the Spanish top flight, never mind Europe.

Athletic Bilbao’s Kepa Arrizabalaga has shown immense progress in his time in La Liga, however is hardly a proven goalkeeper and lacks the acumen to bolster Chelsea as they begin their quest for success under Maurizio Sarri.

They have replaced a star goalkeeper, winner of the Golden Glove award at the World Cup, with a man who is third down the pecking order for the Spanish national team, for a fee that is ridiculous.

Liverpool’s acquisition of Roma man Alisson, for £66 million, was questionable, but Alisson gained experience in the summer and is Brazil’s first choice goalkeeper over Manchester City’s Ederson.

Kepa, on the other hand, has been at Athletic Bilbao for just two seasons after moving from Real Valladolid in 2015. At only 23 he is yet to create a career worthy of earning a move topping £70 million, and should not be the goalkeeper to break the transfer record.

It is not down to him, though. Chelsea’s frenzied preseason, overseen by two different managers, has hit a real downfall and retaining Eden Hazard is an achievement that should not be undermined.

Somehow the Belgian is remaining at Stamford Bridge, however the same cannot be said for fellow countryman Thibaut Courtois and the Blues have taken a mammoth risk in Kepa.

If his development continues, the Spanish stopper could slowly but surely become value for money. But right now the transfer underlines Chelsea’s predicament, and the preposterous economic climate football has adopted in recent years.

Is Kepa ready to take the step up in his career?