Chelsea tipped to make stunning transfer U-turn and replace struggling star

David Seaman believes Kepa Arrizabalaga could make a stunning return to Chelsea as Enzo Maresca's search for a reliable keeper continues.

Despite the wads of cash splashed at Stamford Bridge under Todd Boehly, many are adamant that the Blues are still in dire need of a top-drawer shot-stopper. Current No. 1 Robert Sanchez is feeling the heat after back-to-back blunders against Wolves and Manchester City left fans and critics doubting his suitability for the role.

The Spaniard has produced five mistakes that have directly resulted in goals this season - more than anyone else in the Premier League - and talk has now turned to who might replace him between the sticks. Summer signing Filip Jorgensen hasn't particularly blown anyone away, but another keeper on Chelsea's books, Arrizabalaga, has been shining during his loan spell at Bournemouth this season.

The 30-year-old, who joined the Blues from Athletic Bilbao for a whopping £71.6million in 2018, fell out of favour under former manager Thomas Tuchel but has been firing on all cylinders at the Vitality Stadium. And, given Sanchez's shaky form, Seaman reckons that Kepa could be poised for a Chelsea comeback once his loan spell is up.

"He's come back, and he didn't have the best of times when he first went there, but he's showing people what he can do [at Bournemouth]. He is capable of that," the Arsenal and England legend noted on the Seaman Says podcast, brought to you by Betway.

In a scenario that has left Chelsea supporters scratching their heads, Maresca appears to be standing firmly behind Sanchez, albeit acknowledging the former Brighton keeper must up his game. Sanchez's misjudged foray from goal in last month's defeat to City saw Erling Haaland effortlessly chip the ball over him, and was arguably at fault for the hosts' opening goal too.

Offering his two cents, Seaman commented: "The only thing with Sanchez is, he's brilliant with his feet and he makes some really good saves, but he proper throws them in. His decision to come out to get the through ball from Haaland was shocking, but then, the way he tried to recover when Haaland went to chip it over him.

"Watch his dive he guesses and dives to his right. If he stands up, because he's a big guy, and stands still and waits for the ball, he saves it. But because he's gone early, he's tried to do a top-hand and hasn't got anywhere near it."

Arrizabalaga spent two seasons in Chelsea's first team before being replaced by Edouard Mendy in 2020. He watched on from the bench as the Blues won the Champions League in 2021 but played a major part in their subsequent UEFA Super Cup victory, saving several penalties in the shootout.

He earned his way back into the side following Tuchel's departure in 2022 but was loaned out to Real Madrid when Mauricio Pochettino arrived in 2023. Fast-forward 12 months, and he was loaned out again, this time to Bournemouth, with new boss Maresca opting to place his faith in Sanchez and Jorgensen instead.

Kepa has only conceded 21 goals in 17 Premier League games and has five clean sheets for Bournemouth this season compared to Robert Sanchez, who has let in 27 goals from 21 matches and has one fewer clean sheet.