Kepa explored Chelsea transfer exit in summer after losing No1 spot to Mendy, confirms Tuchel amid Napoli interest

THOMAS TUCHEL admits Kepa Arrizabalaga explored a move away from Chelsea this summer.

But despite interest from Napoli, the goalie decided to stay put at Stamford Bridge.

Kepa Arrizabalaga looked at leaving Chelsea this summer amid interest from NapoliCredit: Getty

Kepa, 27, remains the most expensive gloveman in history after joining Chelsea for £71.6million from Athletic Bilbao in 2018.

But despite being No1 at Stamford Bridge in his first two seasons, Kepa has spent the past 24 months playing second fiddle to Edouard Mendy.

Reports claimed the 11-time Spain international was giving serious thought to moving on this summer.

And Napoli made an approach over a loan deal with an option to buy next year.

However, a move to Italy failed to materialise.

And deadline day saw Kepa stay put in London for what’s set to be his fifth season at Chelsea.

The ace is now ready to make his first appearance of the campaign in tomorrow’s Champions League clash with Dinamo Zagreb.

Blues boss Tuchel now admits the stopper did spend time considering his options over the summer.

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Kepa received several options for a fresh start away from Stamford Bridge.

But after giving careful thought to all proposals, he eventually decided he was best served staying at Chelsea.

Tuchel declared: “He tried and checked his options, which we were aware of.

“They were not satisfying for him or for us, so he stayed and I’m very happy about that.

“I was always very clear directly with him that I would love him to stay, and my point of view is that he’s absolutely ready to play.

“It’s on us if we give him the chance or not but he’s 100 per cent ready with how he behaves and trains.”

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