PIF now keen on signing 'fantastic' £50m-rated Champions League winner for Newcastle this summer

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) are now keen on signing Kepa Arrizabalaga for Newcastle United in the summer.

When the Spaniard signed for Chelsea for £71m back in 2018, it was (and still remains) the record transfer fee paid for a goalkeeper (BBC).

Unfortunately, it has not really worked out as the Blues would have hoped, with Edouard Mendy now very much establishing himself as first choice at Stamford Bridge.

However, the 27-year-old has seen a bit of a redemption as of late, with Mendy himself claiming that Kepa was ‘fantastic‘ when filling in for him when he went to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Senegal.

As per The Daily Star, Newcastle are now keen on adding Kepa to their squad this summer, and Thomas Tuchel’s side are willing to entertain offers of around £50m for the Spain international.

A loan deal with an obligation to buy may be acceptable for the Stamford Bridge club, but Atletico Madrid are also interested in his signature.

Even though Kepa has seen a rise in form of late, £50m is still far too much to pay for someone who still has a mistake in him.

Indeed, the Champions League winner made no fewer than three errors which led to goals in the Premier League last season, despite only playing seven matches.

Nonetheless, the Magpies already have Martin Dubravka, Karl Darlow and Freddie Woodman (albeit with the latter currently on loan at Bournemouth) in their ranks, so signing a new goalkeeper should not be a priority in the summer for now.

In other news, Mehrdad Ghodoussi has now dropped an exciting claim for Newcastle fans

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