Bournemouth are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea loanee Kepa Arrizabalaga on a permanent transfer.
The 30-year-old goalkeeper returned to Chelsea last summer after spending a season on loan with Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge, Arrizabalaga was allowed to head straight back out on loan to join Bournemouth for the 2024-25 season.
Arrizabalaga has established himself as Andoni Iraola‘s first-choice goalkeeper, having featured in all but three of the Premier League games he has been eligible to play in.
The Spaniard has played his part in Bournemouth boasting the Premier League’s joint-best defensive record with 36 goals conceded in 29 games.
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Bournemouth make Arrizabalaga decision
Arrizabalaga’s current focus will be on helping Bournemouth at the end of the season, but there will be a decision to make for both parties when the curtain comes down on the 2024-25 campaign.
A recent report claimed that the Chelsea loanee is happy at the Vitality Stadium and is keen to join the South Coast Club on a permanent basis.
According to The Telegraph, Bournemouth are also keen to convert the goalkeeper’s loan switch into a permanent move in the summer transfer window.
The report claims that the Cherries will look to agree a new transfer with Chelsea, although they could look at alternative options if they fail to strike a deal.
Bournemouth are believed to be among the clubs who are keeping tabs on Liverpool shot-stopper Caoimhin Kelleher, who is set to leave to find regular game time elsewhere.
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What about Chelsea’s goalkeeper situation?
Chelsea will sanction Arrizabalaga’s departure, although any deal with Bournemouth could see them cover part of his wages for the final year of his contract.
There is no way back for the Arrizabalaga at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea boasting a number of goalkeeper options despite the fact Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen has been unconvincing at times this season.
Djordje Petrovic will add to Enzo Maresca‘s options when he returns from his season-long loan move with sister club Strasbourg.
Genk youngster Mike Penders is also set to join Chelsea this summer after a transfer was agreed with the Belgian side back in August.
