Bournemouth are engaged in talks with Chelsea over a loan deal for unwanted goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, with an agreement slightly complicated.
According to The Athletic, Bournemouth are discussing a loan move for Kepa Arrizabalaga with Chelsea. The Cherries are eager to bring a new keeper into their ranks, as they are now targetting the Blues stopper as a temporary option after failing with other targets.
Kepa Arrizabalaga to Bournemouth?
Bournemouth have entered the goalkeeper market lately and are looking at some rather extensive options, but only on a loan deal. The Cherries might not have the funds to bring someone on a permanent basis despite their recent windfall from the Dominic Solanke sale, of which they have already reinvested some money.
Recently, they were linked with signing Giorgi Mamardashvili on a season-long loan before he makes a permanent switch to Liverpool. The Georgian keeper has agreed terms with the Reds, but Premier League rules prevent this sort of move in the same window.
They also had sights on Aaron Ramsdale on loan with the keeper ready to leave north London for regular football. There’s competition for the England international, with Arsenal demanding £6 million to loan him, which might be a bit too expensive for Bournemouth’s taste. They have now opened talks with Chelsea for Kepa Arrizabalaga, who does not have a future at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea might struggle to find a permanent suitor for the keeper that cost them a fortune many years ago. Last season, he was unconvincing for Real Madrid while on loan there, with second choice Andriy Lunin eventually usurping his place in the second part of the campaign. Chelsea have tried to use him in another transfer deal, but so far, nothing has materialised. The Bournemouth move might have some legs.
Kepa might have to sign Chelsea’s extension
Chelsea are not willing to let any player leave on a free transfer. Hence, they would prefer to sell Kepa now or loan him pending a contract extension. In cases where the player is unwanted, the 29-year-old might end up signing an extension worth a year and move on to a club like Bournemouth.
If Bournemouth have any chance of bringing Kepa, they will hope the 29-year-old Chelsea player signs an extension at Stamford Bridge before getting his career back on track. The Cherries could offer him regular football over first-choice Neto, which would make the Spaniard consider a move.
