Chelsea cut Kepa replacement shortlist down to two as Jan Oblak transfer decision made

Chelsea have compiled a list of potential replacements for Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Spaniard will not be between the sticks for the Blues next season, according to Fabrizio Romano. Romano claims Frank Lampard will assess the idea once he has concluded a deal for Kai Havertz. The German international remains the club's top priority as it stands but they also want a new goalkeeper on board. Chelsea will be keen to include an obligation to buy but are willing to take a £20million loss on the £71m they paid to sign him from Athletic Bilbao in 2018. According to transfer expert Romano, there are two frontrunners for Chelsea when it comes to signing another goalkeeper. "They have a list, they have a list for the goalkeeper," he told the Beautiful Game Podcast. "They have to consider if they are going to sign Havertz, they can spend money for too many players like they did for [Hakim] Ziyech, they did for [Timo] Werner and they hope to do for Havertz. "If they sign Havertz, they have a list and they will consider [Andre] Onana for sure. Another name is [Nick] Pope, at the moment it's so, so difficult to see a big name like Ter Stegen or Oblak to Chelsea. "As I said, they're going to spend so much on the team this season and to sign a goalkeeper for €120million is so difficult. [Jan] Oblak and [Marc-Andre] Ter Stegen are really difficult targets but I think Onana is on the list. As I said for Havertz, I say the same for the goalkeeper. It needs time. "They will not sign a goalkeeper tonight or tomorrow but they will consider many options and if we sign Havertz it's possible it will be a cheaper option for the goalkeeper." Romano confirmed that Kepa will definitely not be in goal for Chelsea next season with Lampard already adamant there is no going back. "I think yes [he will leave]," he added. "At the moment, nothing advanced but we would have to wait a bit but what I'm told is Kepa will not be the goalkeeper of Chelsea next season." Source: express