Chelsea ready to sell Kepa Arrizabalaga this summer despite upturn in form

Chelsea are prepared to sell Kepa Arrizabalaga this summer, despite his resurgence in form.

The £71million goalkeeper has rebuilt his confidence under Thomas Tuchel but the European champions believe that has boosted their chances of getting a significant fee for him.

Edouard Mendy remains first choice and there are no plans to displace the Senegal international even after Kepa’s recent form.

Chelsea are anticipating bids at the end of the season, with the expectation the 27-year-old will want to secure regular first team football ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.

He would have been allowed to leave last summer but a lack of bids and Chelsea’s refusal to let him go out on loan or leave as a free agent saw him remain as Mendy’s understudy.

He has performed impressively in that role, including Chelsea’s World Club Cup semi final against Al Hilal on Wednesday when he produced two crucial second half saves in a 1-0 win.

But it is understood Tuchel is still giving serious consideration to recalling Mendy for tomorrow’s final against Palmeiras.

Mendy has returned from his country’s triumphant African Cup of Nations campaign, leaving Chelsea’s manager with a major dilemma.

There is a feeling Mendy is deserving of his place, with some inside the club believing it would almost be a punishment to leave him out just because of his involvement in the AFCON.

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