Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly decided to retain Kepa Arrizabalaga as first-choice goalkeeper.

Since the Argentine was officially announced as Chelsea's new boss, it has become clear that a change between the sticks is a possibility.

Arrizabalaga endured an improved campaign in 2022-23, conceding just 33 goals from his 29 appearances in a Premier League campaign where Chelsea only finished in 12th position.

Nevertheless, it has been widely reported that the £71.6m addition from 2018 could be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge along with Edouard Mendy.

That has led to Chelsea being linked with a number of names from around Europe, including Inter Milan's Andre Onana and AC Milan's Mike Maignan.

Over the weekend, it was claimed that the former had already agreed personal terms with Chelsea ahead of the two clubs holding negotiations over a fee.

However, despite that alleged development, Sky Sports News says that Pochettino would prefer to focus on improving other areas of the squad.

The West Londoners face a significant rebuilding job as they look to part ways with a wide array of players, potentially in double figures, as they look to get on the right side of FFP.

Furthermore, Pochettino wants to be able to add to his squad, with central midfield and attack known to be a priority given the likely exits of N'Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic as well as the club's lack of goals last season.

That has seemingly led to Pochettino choosing to leave his goalkeeping options alone unless Mendy receives a notable offer over the coming months.

Chelsea's hierarchy are allegedly willing to sell the Senegal international, who has dropped down the pecking order and is against signing a new contract.

With regards to Arrizabalaga, he also has just two years left on his contract, but it will be deemed that there is value in keeping him at the club due to realistic bids unlikely to be made for the 28-year-old's services.

In total, he has made a total of 163 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions, keeping 35 clean sheets from 109 outings in the Premier League. body check tags ::