Chelsea: European giants now 'talking' to £145k-a-week star at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is attracting interest from a number of clubs in Italy this summer and could still leave before the deadline passes, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

Thomas Tuchel has overseen a hectic few months at Stamford Bridge but a number of stars could still depart before the transfer window closes on September 1.

Two weeks ago, it was reported by Gianluca Di Marzio that Chelsea were nearing an agreement with Napoli for a season-long loan switch, with Kepa desperate to play in order to boost his chances of making Spain’s World Cup squad.

However, the report also stated that Chelsea would be left paying 75 per cent of the goalkeeper’s £145,000 per-week wages.

Edouard Mendy has sewn up the number one spot in Tuchel’s side and the German has acknowledged Kepa’s frustration at having to play as a backup following his £71million move from Athletic Bilbao four years ago.

“I know that we are very privileged to have Edou and Kepa in our squad but I also know for sure that Kepa is not happy about the situation because he deserved to play more and he can be a very strong number one,” Tuchel told a press conference at the end of last season.

“He arrived as a number one so the situation is not easy. He has been a fantastic team player since day one and never let anybody down.”

Phillips understands that Kepa is one of a number of options being considered by Napoli this summer but that they are not the only Serie A club interested.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “So, with Kepa, I’m actually told that Napoli had a few options, and I think they’re looking more at Keylor Navas and Kepa is more of a number two option there now.

“But that doesn’t mean he stays. I think it wasn’t just Napoli that he was talking to.