Thomas Tuchel given priceless Kepa Arrizabalaga transfer solution with one Chelsea condition

You would probably suspect that Kepa Arrizabalaga might prefer a Chelsea exit this summer after a challenging end to the 2021/22 season where he completely vanished from the starting lineup.

Although he has been firmly second choice since the arrival of Edouard Mendy in September 2020, Thomas Tuchel made an effort early on into his regime to reintegrate the maligned keeper with a series of appearances in the cup competitions.

The penalty shootout heroics against Villarreal, Aston Villa, Southampton and Plymouth showcased a player slowly rebuilding his reputation, even if it was clear he would remain an understudy.

Ousmane Dembele drops huge Chelsea transfer hint as Todd Boehly answers £136m Thomas Tuchel wish

But it was ironically another shootout that altered the mood, blasting his effort over the bar to decide one of two final defeats to Liverpool at Wembley. Kepa played one more time, three days later away to Luton in the FA Cup. Tuchel was questioned before the end of the season over the 27-year-old's future, with the German revealing honest conversations ahead of the summer.

"It depends what he wants and it depends what his plans are, but I know that we are very privileged to have Edou (Mendy) and Kepa in our squad.

"I know for sure that Kepa is not happy about the situation and he deserves to play more and he can be a strong number one."

Kepa's exorbitant wages and tag as the world's most expensive goalkeeper might be something the new ownership led by Todd Boehly might want to dispense with, where Kepa actually goes remains a major question given the finances involved and the guarantee of a loss for Chelsea.

Who replaces Kepa is the next part of this discussion and without many links to external options, it