In an ongoing transfer battle between the two clubs, Chelsea is close to getting one over Barcelona with Kepa Arrizabalaga’s loan move to Napoli.
Barcelona was hoping the Italian side would opt to take Neto on loan from them instead, as they desperately need to reduce their wage bill.
But, according to journalist Giacomo Iacobellis, Napoli has reached an agreement with Chelsea.
This means a deal for Neto is now highly unlikely.
The Blues will be pleased to gain revenge over the Catalan club, given the rivalry between the two sides in this transfer window.
Thomas Tuchel’s side tried to sign Ousmane Dembele on a free transfer.
Though he chose to sign a new contract at Camp Nou.
Chelsea had a deal agreed with Leeds for Raphinha.
But he insisted on fulfilling a childhood dream of playing for Barca.
And Jules Kounde, who looked favourites to sign for the west London club in this and last summer’s window, has ended up at the La Liga club.
He will partner Andreas Christensen in the centre of defence.
The Denmark international left the Blues on a free transfer at the end of June.
There’s no doubt that Barcelona has won this transfer battle, scuppering plenty of Chelsea’s plans.
But Tuchel will be happy to get some revenge.
Kepa’s disastrous signing to Chelsea:
Chelsea often tends to pride itself on being one of the savviest clubs in the transfer market.
The Stamford Bridge side used to outbid their rivals to win Premier League and Champions League titles.
But now, they like to make sure outgoings offset their record signings.
However, even the best sales of back-ups and youngsters can never compensate for the almighty loss Chelsea has had to right off on goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Now, Kepa spends his time sitting on Thomas Tuchel’sTuchel’sburning a large hole through the club’s clubs each year.
Indeed, since joining the club in 2018, Kepa has earned between £7-8m per year from his basic salary.
And when we combine that with the transfer fee that Chelsea paid Athletic for his services, his total cost to the club comes in at over £100m.
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