Chelsea criticised for Signing Kepa while Rui Patricio was available

Arsenal  legend and former defender Martin Keown says that Chelsea Goal Keeper is not a good goalkeeper compared to Wolve’s Rui Patricio.

The Spaniard arrived at Stamford Bridge during the summer for £71.6m, a world record fee for a goalkeeper. He was brought in from Athletic Bilbao as a replacement for Thibaut Courtois, who finalised a move to Spanish Giants Real Madrid.

The 23-year-old has enjoyed a promising start for the Blues, conceding just three times in his first three Premier League games.

Eyebrows were raised when Chelsea splashed out such a huge sum to bring Kepa in, particularly as Wolves were able to secure Portugal No.1 Patricio on a free transfer.

The stopper was among the mass exodus of players that left Sporting Lisbon during the summer after they successfully terminated their contracts due to fan violence at the end of last season.

After an impressive World Cup campaign, Patricio has impressed for his new side so far and produced a man of the match performance in last weekend’s draw with Machester City.

And Keown believes Wolves got the better end of the deal when comparing the two goalkeepers.

The Arsenal legend said, “The main reason Wolves earned their point against Manchester City was Rui Patricio, he pulled off two world class saves and when you can bring in a player of that quality, you get results you could only have dreamed of. It is remarkable that Wolves could sign Rui Patricio on a free. I would argue he is a better goalkeeper than Kepa Arrizabalaga, who cost Chelsea a world-record £71.6m.”

The fomer Arsenal defender poceeded on and said, “In an age when full backs and goalkeepers cost more than centre forwards, Wolves pulled off an amazing piece of business.”

Chelsea have won all three of their Premier League games so far and sit level on points with Liverpool, Tottenham and Watford at the top of the table.

They return to action tomorrow as they welcome Bournemouth to Stamford Bridge.

Wolves are targeting their first win since promotion from the Championship as they visit  Westham.

 

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