Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has been urged to splash the cash on a “top-class” goalkeeper following Kepa Arrizabalaga’s latest howler. The Spanish stopper, Chelsea’s record-signing, made yet another costly mistake last weekend in the Blues’ Premier League clash with Liverpool – which they lost 2-0.
Kepa carelessly gave the defending champions their second and decisive goal, gifting Sadio Mane a tap-in with a lazy attempt of a pass.
The 25-year-old’s latest error sparked further calls for Lampard to sign a new goalkeeper, which began late last season.
And former Newcastle United hitman Alan Shearer reckons the Blues boss needs to bite the bullet and replace the former Athletic Bilbao man as soon as possible.
“Look what Liverpool and City did in terms of goalkeepers,” Shearer said during an appearance on Match of the Day 2. “They were desperate for top-class goalkeepers to go and achieve what they wanted to do.
“Chelsea are now in that position. They’re not going to win the league, unfortunately, with this goalkeeper.”
Shearer, like many others, believes Kepa’s problems stem from his lack of confidence between the sticks.
He said: “They have no chance of winning the title with him in goal, unfortunately, because his confidence is shot.
“I actually feel sorry for him and I’m surprised Frank has gone with him because he should have saved one at Brighton.
“I thought, to protect the club’s investment, he would be better off not playing.”
“That ball has just got to go, he is under pressure. Superb from Mane, but he has gone to pieces and I’m surprised Frank played him.”
Chelsea are understood to have agreed a £28million with Rennes for Senegal stopper Edouard Mendy, who has reportedly undergone a medical with last beaten season’s FA Cup finalists.
Although many have lost their faith in Kepa, that can’t be said for his Blues team-mate Mason Mount, who said: “We know that Kepa is an experienced goalkeeper.
“He will look at it and he knows where he needs to look at it and improve but we are all going to be behind him.
“We all make mistakes, I make mistakes, I give the ball away but it’s just in their half and I can give the ball away and it’s different when it’s the back four.
“But as I said, we are all behind him, we all support him and it doesn’t matter because now we need to look towards the next game now.”
Chelsea will be back in action on Wednesday night, welcoming Championship side Barnsley to Stamford Bridge for their Carabao Cup third-round tie.