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Kepa Arrizabalaga’s future with Chelsea currently resides with a question mark as the club push to find his replacement. 

A move that started out with potential in abundance has become arguably one of the worst record-breaking moves in transfer history. Despite winning the Europa League with the Blues, Kepa’s Premier League career has failed to live up to expectations.

Maurizio Sarri helped orchestrate a £71million swoop for the Spaniard’s services back in 2018, smashing the record for most money spent on a goalkeeper (via BBC Sport). This record still stands, with not even Liverpool’s appointment of Alisson going beyond the hefty price tag.

Now, just two years into his tenure, Frank Lampard has planned for a future without Kepa. The Spain international disappointed his manager after a poor run in the Premier League, conceding a total of 47 goals.

Chelsea are yet to sign a replacement but are eager to strike a deal with latest target Edouard Mendy, with an agreement thought to be close.

Fellow goalkeeper Petr Cech has spoken out on the difficult situation at Stamford Bridge, suggesting that the Spanish international could still have a long term future in west London.

“Kepa struggled last season, that is unquestionable,” he said (via Daily Express). “But the club invested in him and gave him a long-term contract because they believe he has the qualities and attributes to be successful.”

The 24-year-old could re-establish himself as a first team player in the future, but for the upcoming season at least, it seems very unlikely Lampard will trust him as his first choice ‘keeper.

“Additions will be made to the squad, perhaps even in goal, and this is what is being discussed now,” Cech continued. “But nobody is giving up on Kepa and we all hope he has a great future.”

Do you think Kepa has a future at Chelsea? Join the conversation in the comments below!

One of Leeds United’s top priorities this summer was to sign a striker, and they spared no expense in making sure they strengthened in that area, splashing out £27m to sign Rodrigo from Valencia.

The Spaniard cost a club-record fee this summer, and while United can be happy with their striker acquisition, they could have saved that cash if they’d have done the right thing back in 2019.

Nobody needs reminding that Leeds had Eddie Nketiah on loan last season, but his ill-fated spell was cut short as he grew frustrated with his lack of first-team opportunities.

Before Nketiah went back to Arsenal, Marcelo Bielsa expressed his desire to keep the forward on loan at the club for the 2020/21 season, and if United still had Nketiah, they could have saved the £27m they spent on Rodrigo.

Now, we’re not about to argue that Arsenal’s third-choice striker is better than Spain’s number nine, but it is worth considering that Nketiah has more goals in all competitions than him this season and his minutes per goal record in the Premier League last term was better than Rodrigo’s in La Liga.

£27m is a lot of money, and it had to be spent on a striker this summer because Patrick Bamford was the Whites’ only option heading into this season, but that money could have been put towards something else if United still had Nketiah.

Of course, the Yorkshire outfit would still have needed a striker in 2021 in this hypothetical scenario, but they would likely have had another year of Premier League revenue and perhaps a stronger spine behind them to fix their striker woes.

It’s certainly interesting to imagine what Leeds’ squad would look like right now if Bielsa’s original plan to keep Nketiah for the 2020/21 season had come to fruition.

Burnley youngsters Josh Benson and Anthony Glennon have been targeted for loan spells by a former Premier League manager now operating in League Two.

Grimsby Telegraph reported that Ian Holloway wants to bring the Clarets duo to Grimsby Town, where the 20-year-old duo both had loan spells last season.

The 57-year-old, who has managed Blackpool and Crystal Palace in the English top flight, told the Mariners’ official media channels: “I’ve made a call to Burnley and those two lads ended up on their bench, and because we used them in level two, they might want to put them into level one or the Championship. I don’t know if I can get them back, but I have asked the question.

“What I am trying to do is to make sure I bring in the right blend, to make a beautiful cake mix that has got every different ingredient in it – so it isn’t boring. I want new and fresh people to come in, and it is really important to start on a positive footing.”

Former Arsenal academy midfielder Benson scored twice in 11 appearances on loan at Grimsby last season, having gone out to Blundell Park in January, and was included among the substitutes for Burnley’s final six games of the Premier League season, albeit without making an appearance (as per TransferMarkt).

Glennon, a versatile defender who can play centrally or on the left and who was previously on Liverpool’s books, netted once in his 12 appearances for the Mariners earlier this year before being included in the Clarets’ matchday squads towards the end of the campaign (as per TransferMarkt).

Indeed, the two players share numerous similarities – both came to Burnley from the academies of high-profile Premier League clubs, both went on loan to Grimsby in January before being recalled for the latter weeks of the Clarets’ league season and both are still awaiting their breakthrough at Turf Moor. Even their birthdays are close to one another, with Glennon just nine days older than his team-mate.

Despite both being included by Sean Dyche in matchday squads towards the end of last season, that neither Benson nor Glennon made it off the bench indicates that they still have a road to travel if they are to get into the Clarets’ first team.

Should they go back to Grimsby on loan, they will return to a familiar environment under an experienced coach in Holloway (more than 600 games in management) who wants them there, hence raising the distinct likelihood of them getting regular game-time.

It’s a move which seems to make perfect sense for the two 20-year-olds as they continue their development and hopefully push for first team inclusion at Turf Moor in the foreseeable future.

Burnley fans, would you be in favour of Glennon and Benson going on loan to Grimsby again for this season? Comment below with your views!

Carlo Ancelotti must regret handing Andre Gomes a starting role in Saturday’s Merseyside Derby after witnessing the Everton midfielder struggle against Liverpool.

The Toffees hosted their Stanley Park neighbours at Goodison Park this weekend looking to maintain an unbeaten start to the season, having won each of their opening Premier League and Carabao Cup fixtures.

An early goal from Sadio Mane left Everton on the back foot from the third minute, but the Blues refused to break and moved level through Michael Keane midway through the first half.

Mohamed Salah later restored the Premier League champions lead, yet Everton were able to dig deep again through Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s tenth goal of the season and seventh in the league.

The Merseyside Derby continued to edge in Liverpool’s favour through a late sending off for Richarlison, with referee Michael Oliver showing the Brazilian a straight red card for a studs-up foul on Thiago Alcantara.

Jordan Henderson appeared to further punish Everton when his stoppage-time effort found a way past Pickford, but would be denied following a VAR check which deemed Sadio Mane to have been marginally – albeit debatably – offside in the build-up.

Everton were able to hold on and claim a draw as a result of David Coote’s decision at Stockley Park, however Ancelotti will have been questioning his decision to start Gomes having witnessed the 27-year-old struggle throughout the affair.

Gomes returned to the Everton starting line-up to face Liverpool having sat out the Blues’ 4-2 win over Brighton & Hove Albion prior to the international break through a minor issue, marking his fourth appearance of the league season.

Ancelotti ultimately had to haul the £21.6m-rated midfielder off in the 72nd-minute once Liverpool moved into a 2-1 lead, however, after a lapse second of concentration from Yerry Mina presented Salah with his chance to strike past Jordan Pickford with a well-placed volley.

Gomes was seemingly always at least a yard off the pace during his time on the field, with the former FC Barcelona midfielder Marco Silva once hailed as “a player with high quality” (Liverpool Echo) losing possession 13 times and losing nine of his 13 duels, per SofaScore.

The £112,212-per-week man, in fact, won just three of his 12 ground duels, committed four fouls, was caught offside once, dribbled past once, misplaced each of his three long balls, failed to find a teammate with his sole cross, failed in two of three attempted dribbles, failed to record a single effort on goal and was shown a yellow card.

Gomes was able to record one key ball from his 20/26 accurate passes, two tackles and one clearance, but his overall impact on proceedings left Liverpool able to utilise their right-hand options in Trent Alexander-Arnold and Salah.

AND in other news, a Premier League rival has shown Everton a great deal of respect by blocking the Blues’ bid to land Carlo Ancelotti’s £10m target.

This article forms part of our Profit Players feature series, which is where Football Transfer Tavern takes a look at how well a player has fared since being signed or sold, using statistical figures and statements from pundits to prove how good of a deal the club managed to achieve.

After arriving at Old Trafford all the way back in 2011, it is fair to say David de Gea had a lot of expectations on his young shoulders. Nearly nine years later, he has firmly established himself as the number one goalkeeper at Manchester United.

De Gea joined Manchester United from Atletico Madrid for £18.9m on a five-year-deal, teaming up with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side shortly after the Red Devils had won their 12th Premier League title.

His arrival coincided with Edwin van der Sar’s retirement, and the Spaniard had big gloves to fill, as the legendary Dutchman made over 250 appearances for United, saving 135 clean sheets in all competitions.

Almost immediately, De Gea was thrown in at the deep end, as he faced derby rivals Manchester City in the Community Shield. His performance drew criticism from fans and pundits alike, although Fergie’s men went on to win 3-2. He made his league debut in the 2-1 win away to West Bromwich Albion one week later and allowed a Shane Long shot to go past him into the back of the net (The Sun).

The 20-year-old was subsequently dropped for Anders Lindegaard.

However, he didn’t allow this to deter him, and carried out a vigorous training programme to meet the physical demands of the English top flight.

Following a string of four games on the bench, he earned himself a recall to the starting lineup, and demonstrated his full potential in a 3-3 draw with Chelsea.

Evidently, De Gea hasn’t once looked back, as he settled into the role of Ferguson’s first-choice keeper, and it has remained that way ever since, despite the changes in managers over the years.

In total, the Spanish international played in 80 games under the legendary Scotsman, lifting the Premier League trophy in his final season in charge.

During David Moyes’ infamous time at the Theatre of Dreams, it can be said De Gea single-handedly saved his job more often than not, and he was named Manchester United’s Player of the Year in recognition of his incredible efforts. He went on to earn this award for the next couple of seasons in a row.

Indeed, the shot stopper has consistently produced match-winning performances when the Red Devils have needed him the most, and his displays between the sticks attracted attention from La Liga giants Real Madrid in 2015.

The transfer saga overshadowed the entire summer that year, but he ended up staying at Old Trafford, and, ever the consummate professional, he returned to his posts.

Instead of turning his back on the club, De Gea helped Louis van Gaal’s side win the FA Cup in 2016, before picking up the League Cup and Europa League title under the Dutchman’s replacement, Jose Mourinho (Transfermarkt).

As a result of these heroics over the years, his market value dramatically rose from £16.2m in August 2014 to £63m by December 2018. Admittedly, this has now dropped to £36m, although this can be attributed to the economic uncertainty surrounding pandemic, and is still double the original fee the board paid Los Rojiblancos (Transfermarkt).

The 29-year-old has made 304 appearances in the Premier League so far, keeping 108 clean sheets, making a staggering 848 saves, taking 180 high claims, and successfully completing 84 sweeper clearances.

Despite his long spell with United, the veteran has only made 13 errors leading to goals, whereas former Arsenal and Chelsea keeper Petr Cech racked up 24 errors in total. His loyal service to the club has been rewarded with another contract extension which is set to expire in June 2023.

All things considered, De Gea has more than justified his price tag, as he has continued to help the Red Devils add to their impressive collection of silverware, and been recognised with a number of awards up until now.

United fans, do you think David de Gea is Manchester United’s best goalkeeper of all time? Let us know down below!

Mark Douglas has claimed in his latest piece for The Chronicle that the latest sanctions by the UK government on human rights abusers will not affect the proposed takeover of Newcastle United.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab addressed the House of Commons with new post-Brexit sanctions for certain events that fall into the category of human rights abuse, including that of the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, where as many as 20 Saudi nationals are thought to be involved in his death.

Hatice Cengiz, the fiancee of the late Khashoggi, has also accused the Kingdom of Saudi Arabian (KSA) crown prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) of being involved in his killing, however, nobody from the Saudi government, including MbS himself, have been found to have been involved as of yet.

The Saudi crown prince and his country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) are set to take an 80 per cent stake in the Magpies if the prospective £300 million deal between Mike Ashley and the buying side, which also includes businesswoman and head of PCP Capital Partners Amanda Staveley and the billionaire Reuben brothers originally from India but based in London, is eventually approved by the Premier League.

The consortium must pass the Owners’ and Directors’ Test (ODT) set out by the top flight, and MbS has been questioned as to whether he fits the criteria of being a fit and proper person.

However, Douglas does not see this as a problem even following the news of the sanctions, as MbS or his PIF were not said to be connected in the ruling over Khashoggi’s murder.

“To the straightforward question: will this have any impact on the bid the answer – surely – is no. Those close to the bid have always denied any link between anyone who has involvement or will have day-to-day responsibilities in any wrong-doings. That includes piracy, the biggest issue they have dealt with, but extends to the brutal murder of Khassogi,” Douglas wrote.

This may be a positive sign for some members of the Toon faithful, as they still await a final decision to be made by England’s highest division.

Geordies, do you agree with Douglas? Comment below!

Leeds United fans have been talking up young teenage striker Ryan Edmondson on social media this week after he posted an image two years on from making his debut for the club.

The 18-year-old swapped non-league York for their local big dogs back in November 2017 and impressed for the youth side enough to be granted his debut on the final day of the 2017/18 season.

Edmondson came on as a substitute against Queens Park Rangers for the final 20 minutes of the match aged just 16. Since then though, he has only been able to make one other appearance.

It has led to calls from some supporters claiming that he should have been given more opportunity under Marcelo Bielsa. In September, he was called up to England’s U19 squad, which is a rather encouraging sign to his prospects.

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Earlier in the season, Edmondson had Arsenal starlet Eddie Nketiah ahead of him in the pecking order, and now he’s got RB Leipzig frontman Jean-Kevin Augustin blocking his route to the first team.

Here’s how fans have been reacting to his tweet…

AND in other news, Leeds fans furious at Villa CEO’s recent comments…

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has been chatting to The Evening Standard about his plans for the south London-based club, and his words are certainly full of hope, determination and vision.

Parish embarked on a three-year plan back in the summer, a blueprint that will hopefully see a new Main Stand be built at Selhurst Park, as well as a £20m revamp of the academy with the intention of securing category one status.

The 54-year-old certainly has big plans for the Eagles, and aims to make Palace a “shining beacon of positivity” around south London and something for the community to be proud of.

Additionally, one particular snippet from his comments suggests that he has learned some lessons during his time in the Premier League.

What did he say?

When speaking about the academy in particular, Parish said: “We know that the academy is such a powerful thing, in terms of what it means to everybody, but also financially it benefits the club.

“We’ve got to put the finances in place and, at the same time, make sure that we do well in the Premier League. We have to bring through more Wilfrieds [Zaha] and Aarons.

“If you get the process right, then success follows. If you set short-term goals, you’ll do short-term things. I think we’ve probably been guilty of that in the past.”

11-word extract suggests lessons are being learned

The final 11-word sentence of Parish’s comments, in which he says “I think we’ve probably been guilty of that in the past”, suggest the Eagles chief is learning from previous errors.

Since achieving promotion back in 2013, Palace have had seven permanent managers – averaging roughly one boss per each campaign.

Additionally, some of the playing staff that has been recruited since promotion has reeked of short-termism – there are only four players in the Palace squad under the age of 28, with one of them being the on-loan Victor Camarasa.

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To further emphasise the point of unsustainable, short-term recruitment, only two players have been moved on for significant fees in that seven-year period – Yannick Bolasie moved to Everton for £25m, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka went to Manchester United for £50m.

Fair play to Parish. It really has felt as if the south Londoners have been making it up as they’ve gone along since earning promotion, riding their luck while being bailed out by survival experts. However, the chairman’s comments suggest that he has learned from the error of his ways, and is actively trying to guide the club onto a new pathway.

In other news, Patrick van Aanholt’s place may finally be under threat…

This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

Sunderland have so far had limited success in attack this season, but bringing Marc McNulty into the side on a regular basis could be the right way to go.

On the chalkboard

Since arriving at the club Phil Parkinson has placed a lot of faith in Will Grigg, at least in the league, but so far the striker has continued to underwhelm, and has just two goals to boast of as a result.

One of those goals came against Tranmere, too, when the game was already won, so it is fair to suggest that the Black Cats could do with a more influential figure in the attacking final third.

McNulty already has more league goals than the Northern Irishman despite starting just six league games, and the energy he provides up-front means he can impact games in a more effective fashion than Grigg, even when he’s off-form.

He has shown previously that he is suited to playing in a lone role or as part of a two, notching 28 goals for Coventry in the 2017/18 season, when he was often partnered with Stuart Beavon in attack.

The Scot has struggled to hit the same kind of form since but if the team was built around him, and he had the confidence from his manager, then he could begin to show why he was brought in over the summer.

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Confidence player

The 27-year-old has shown throughout his career that he has a number of attributes which make him well-suited to League One football.

His hold-up play could be ideal in doing the hard graft up-front, freeing up Grigg or Chris Maguire to take advantage of the space he creates by drawing in defenders.

On top of that, according to Berkshire Live journalist Jonathan Low, he also works tirelessly by running into channels, and when his confidence is up it can be difficult to contain his poaching instinct.

As a result, he is very much the type of forward the Black Cats could do with – someone who can keep the ball in the opposition half and add pressure on the defence, as too often under Parkinson Sunderland have failed to provide an attacking threat.

That is shown by the fact they have scored more than one goal in just one match under him, and until he makes changes to the forward line that looks set to continue.

Liverpool fans have suggested that right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold should become one of Jurgen Klopp’s reserve ‘keepers.

The England international was the subject of controversy after his side’s 3-1 victory against Manchester City on Sunday.

The 21-year-old was said to have handled Bernardo Silva’s flick in the sixth minute of the game, but referee Michael Oliver did not agree. As a result, the Reds went on the counter-attack and Fabinho scored a 25-yard strike that deceived Claudio Bravo at his near post to give the hosts an early lead.

Goals from Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane ensured that Liverpool went eight points clear at the top of the Premier League and nine clear of City.

It isn’t the first time that appeals of handling the ball have come Alexander-Arnold’s way. Protests were waved away during the Champions League semi-final against Roma where the Englishman appeared to have handled, and the same happened at St James’ Park last season during their 3-2 win. All three were not given and went Liverpool’s way.

Supporters joked about the prospect of the youngster becoming backup to Alisson Becker and made their feelings clear on social media.

Here you will find some of the best responses from Liverpool fans, with one supporter giving a shout-out to former Red Stephane Henchoz after his infamous handball in the 2001 FA Cup final: