Chelsea board and Frank Lampard are at loggerheads over the exit of Kepa Arrizabalaga this summer.
That is according to former Blues star Craig Burley, who believes Lampard is desperate to bring in a replacement.
Kepa has been ranked as statistically one of the worse goalkeepers in Europe's top five leagues.
But ESPN pundit Burley reckons the Chelsea board are keen on keeping hold of the Spain international after forking £72m out for his services.
“It’s going to come down to money,” he explained.
“The Chelsea board, I believe, were in a bit of an arm-wrestle with Lampard a few months ago… Lampard was adamant that he needed [Kepa] out.
“The arm-wrestle was because of the wages and the transfer fee.
“They know and they knew at the time they’re never going to recover that.
“I think there was a big fight to try and get Lampard to change his mind.
“In some sense he buckled a little bit and he played him, but he played badly.
“So, I think Lampard has made up his mind and said he needs to absolutely convince the board that they can’t get to where they want to go with this guy as a number one.
“The problem is, someone has to pay the big bucks for him.
“So there’s a real game of cat and mouse between not only Lampard and his owners, but his owners and other clubs.”
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Lampard has several targets including Edouard Mendy from Rennes with Paris St-Germain ace Alphonse Areola and Lille's Mike Maignan included.
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago
