Kepa Arrizabalaga

On August 8, 2018, Kepa Arrizabalaga was signed by Chelsea Football Club for a world record fee for a goalkeeper, amounting to €80 million (£71.6 million) from Athletic Bilbao. This transfer made Kepa the most expensive goalkeeper of all time at that moment, surpassing the transfer fee paid for Alisson Becker by Liverpool earlier the same year. Kepa agreed to a seven-year contract with the club, which indicated the long-term commitment Chelsea had towards him as the successor to outgoing first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who joined Real Madrid.

In a dramatic incident during the EFL Cup Final against Manchester City on February 24, 2019, Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga refused to be substituted towards the end of extra time. Manager Maurizio Sarri intended to bring on Willy Caballero for the impending penalty shootout. Kepa's actions led to an extraordinary standoff and visible frustration from Sarri on the sidelines. Kepa remained on the field for the penalties but ultimately, Chelsea lost the shootout and criticism followed concerning his defiance and Sarri's authority. The incident prompted widespread discussion about player-manager dynamics in football.

Throughout the 2019-2020 season, Kepa Arrizabalaga faced severe criticism for his performances, leading to him being temporarily dropped by Chelsea coach Frank Lampard. Statistically, Kepa was among the worst performing goalkeepers in the Premier League, with a save percentage that ranked very low compared to his peers. His struggles with consistency and costly errors contributed to Chelsea's defensive vulnerabilities. This forced the club to seek alternatives and later sign Edouard Mendy from Rennes, effectively demoting Kepa to the position of second-choice goalkeeper as the club tried to bolster its defence.