Frank Lampard talks Kepa's Chelsea future and latest on new Willian contract

Errors: Kepa's performances have come under criticism
Giuseppe Muro3 July 2020

Frank Lampard has said he is “happy” with Kepa Arrizabalaga but offered no guarantees over his long-term future at Chelsea.

Kepa was again at fault when Chelsea lost 3-2 at West Ham and it has been reported that Lampard will consider his goalkeeping options at the end of the season.

Chelsea paid £71.6million for Kepa two years ago, making him the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, but the Spaniard is under pressure after some poor displays.

Kepa has been linked with a loan move back to Spain and Sevilla are interested in him.

Asked about the speculation around Kepa's future and what he wants to see from the goalkeeper for the remainder of the season, Lampard said: “I keep saying the same, I am not going to talk about any potential what we may do at the end of the season or not. I am going to focus on what is in front of us.

“And with Kepa, a lot has been spoken about him this season. All I want from him, as I want from all the players, is the right mentality, attitude and approach to the games. I am absolutely certain I will get that from all of them.

“Obviously to try and do his job as well as he can do. And I am happy with him, and that is how we keep working. I am not going to talk about what may be at the end of the season.”

Lampard has said Chelsea remain hopeful of agreeing a new contract with Willian to keep him at Stamford Bridge next season.

Willian has signed a short-term deal to stay at Chelsea until the end of the season but talks over his long-term future could hinge on the length of a possible extension.

In Pictures | West Ham vs Chelsea | 01/07/2020

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The Brazilian had been seeking a three-year agreement. Chelsea have a policy of only offering one-year contracts to players over the age of 30, but it remains to be seen if they would be willing to make an exception for someone who has made more than 300 appearances since joining from Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013.

Lampard said: “The club are still in discussions with him. I have not given up hope on it. We want him to stay at the club but I also appreciate the fact that this contract for Willian is a big deal because of his age and where he is at. I have been there myself and I respect that.

“But the way he has been playing at the minute shows his worth to the squad. It is something I hope we can get to. Whatever way with Willian, he has been a great servant to the club and if we can get it I will be happy, if not I would certainly with him well because I have a lot of time for him as a player. It is ongoing.”

Chelsea are interested in Bayer Leverkusen winger Kai Havertz. Asked about plans to strengthen his attack further following the signings of Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech, Lampard said: “I am not completely sure what we are going to look at in terms of the front line. I have just mentioned the Willian contract and where that will get to we are not sure.

“I do not want to talk about those things because we are working to finish this season and trying to better in front of goal in the next five or six games.

“And similarly defensively, the players that are here now I have to focus on and what happens in the summer will be what happens. I do not want to talk too far ahead. We will sit down and talk about it in the break.”

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