Bournemouth are reported to be keen on the permanent signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea following the conclusion of his loan spell on the south coast.
Arrizabalaga started in the Cherries’ 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final defeat against Manchester City on Sunday afternoon, though he did manage to save Erling Haaland‘s first-half penalty.
The goalkeeper joined Bournemouth on loan in the summer of 2024, his second successive temporary exit from Stamford Bridge after leaving to join Real Madrid for the 2023-24 campaign.
Arrizabalaga arrived at Chelsea from Athletic Club in 2018 for a reported fee of £67m, but the Blues have since tried to replace him with the likes of Edouard Mendy and Robert Sanchez.
Football journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that the 30-year-old is set to leave the club permanently given Bournemouth are satisfied with his performances, noting that he is one of a number of players on an exit list.
Chelsea’s goalkeeping problems
Though few Chelsea fans would argue that Arrizabalaga deserves another chance at Stamford Bridge, his departure would not help solve the team’s issues at the back.
The club’s current options have been criticised for subpar performances, particularly former Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Sanchez, who has made numerous high-profile errors.
Filip Jorgensen has featured in 16 games for the Londoners but has looked nervous against the likes of Aston Villa in late February.
Despite signing several goalkeepers in the past three seasons, the team still undoubtedly need a new number one if they are to challenge higher up the table.
Who else needs to leave?
Chelsea have invested significantly in the squad under the direction of Todd Boehly, and it would not be surprising if the summer transfer window was once again hectic.
Centre-back Nathan Chalobah was seen as surplus to requirements by Enzo Maresca prior to the beginning of the season, and his future at the club is far from certain despite being recalled from his loan at Crystal Palace.
Elsewhere, the Blues signed Jadon Sancho on loan from Manchester United with an obligation to buy in the summer, but reports have emerged that the Londoners could back out of their agreement to purchase the Englishman.
