Sevilla plotting Kepa loan to end goalkeeper's Chelsea misery (Sun)

Sevilla are reportedly interested in signing Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan to end the goalkeeper's Chelsea misery.

The Spaniard has struggled to justify the £71.6million fee Chelsea paid for him in 2018, with Frank Lampard less than impressed with his performances this season.

Kepa's latest showing did little to convince his boss he is the right man to fill the no.1 role for a title challenge next season, as he was found wanting for two of West Ham's goals on Wednesday.

Lampard is now reportedly eyeing up new targets to replace Kepa, but must first work out a way to at least get him off the wage bill.

The Sun report that Sevilla have now emerged as as a potential destination for the 25-year-old.

With finances tight across the board, a permanent transfer looks unlikely this summer.

A temporary move back to Spain could suit both parties though, providing Sevilla are willing to cover at least the majority of Kepa's salary.

That could prove difficult, given Kepa is among the top earners at Chelsea on a £150,000-per-week contract.

One solution could be for Chelsea to charge Sevilla a substantial loan fee, but allow for a reduction in his wage payments.

Valencia are among the sides keen on signing Kepa, but the same financial scenario applies.

That would go against Chelsea's normal transfer policy, but facilitating Kepa's return to La Liga would give him an opportunity to regain his confidence.

Whether he would still have a role to play at Stamford Bridge beyond that is uncertain though.

Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana has been continually linked with a move to The Blues this summer, and his arrival would all-but end Kepa's time at the club.

Lampard is already calling on former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech's expertise to find a new no.1.

Cech - who now works as a technical adviser at the club - played a key role in sealing a transfer for Timo Werner, and The Telegraph claim he has now been tasked with finding a replacement for Kepa.