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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Alex Milne

Frank Lampard facing battle with Chelsea board as he bids to offload Kepa Arrizabalaga

Frank Lampard and the Chelsea board look set to clash over the future of out-of-form goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The 25-year-old became the most expensive goalkeeper in the world when the Blues splashed out £71.6m to sign him from Athletic Bilbao in 2018, and he was an ever-present under previous manager Maurizio Sarri last season.

Recently Kepa's performances have dipped, however, and after he conceded two goals in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal he was dropped for the game against Leicester on Saturday.

Lampard is said to have seen enough, and wants to sell Kepa in the summer and replace him, with Burnley's Nick Pope thought to be top of his wishlist along with Crystal Palace's Vicente Guaita.

Kepa Arrizabalaga watches on against Leicester after being dropped to the bench (Visionhaus)

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia, however, is believed to not be happy with the idea of selling Kepa, having personally pushed through the deal to sign him two years ago, and she does not want to make a loss on the player and give up on him so soon.

It remains to be seen whether Kepa returns to the starting line-up for the huge game against Manchester United on Monday February 17, with his replacement Willy Caballero not exactly covering himself in glory during the 2-2 draw with the Foxes.

Frank Lampard is said to not have any faith in Kepa as a long-term option (EMPICS Sport)

Meanwhile Chelsea winger Willian is reportedly keen to sign a contract extension, with his current deal set to expire in the summer.

He has been linked with a move to the likes of Barcelona , but he is thought to be happy in London and has no desire to leave.

He has been in and out of the team this year, making 19 starts in the Premier League, but he is an important part of the squad and Lampard will likely wish to keep the player, who has been a valuable servant to Chelsea since joining in 2013.

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