Chelsea make Kepa Arrizabalaga decision amid Robert Sanchez struggles | OneFootball

Kepa Arrizabalaga may still have a future at Chelsea after the club actively triggered a clause in his Bournemouth loan deal, according to a report in Spain.

The Spanish shot-stopper, who remains the most expensive goalkeeper in football history, has not played for Chelsea since Frank Lampard's interim spell in 2023. After a season on loan at Real Madrid, which saw him lose his starting spot to backup option Andriy Lunin, Kepa joined Bournemouth on another temporary deal in August.

It was reported at the time that Kepa signed a one-year extension to his Chelsea contract before moving to the south coast, keeping him at the west London outfit until June 2026.

However, MARCA claim that the Blues had to trigger an option in the deal before 31 January to confirm this extension. Chelsea duly activated this clause, thereby preventing Arrizabalaga from becoming a free agent in the summer.

This decision may have been a cynical ploy to ensure that they receive some compensation for the £72m recruit if he is made available for sale in the off-season. However, there is also a strong suggestion that Arrizabalaga's form - and the stark drop-off from Chelsea's current number one, Robert Sanchez - may open up a spot between the posts at Stamford Bridge.

Robert Sanchez has not enjoyed a commanding campaign for Chelsea this season / Visionhaus/GettyImages

After another error-strewn display in defeat to Manchester City earlier this year, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca showed the first public signs of reservation over the performances of Sanchez. The Spaniard was subsequently dropped for a win over West Ham United last week.

No Premier League player has made more errors directly leading to a goal than Sanchez's five. Kepa has only committed one. The revitalised Spaniard also boasts the best save percentage across the entire division and has conceded 21 goals in 17 appearances for Bournemouth - three fewer than expected based on the quality and quantity of shots faced.

Chelsea were linked with a late move for Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel in the winter window but ultimately stuck with Sanchez and understudy Filip Jorgensen.

The Blues will also be able to count upon 19-year-old Belgian custodian Mike Penders when his £17m transer goes through in June, but there is every chance that Kepa could find himself back at Stamford Bridge next season as well.