90min

Chelsea in talks over Premier League loan for Kepa Arrizabalaga - report

  • Bournemouth chasing loan deal for Kepa Arrizabalaga
  • Chelsea goalkeeper keen to return to Real Madrid
  • Blues may need to extend Kepa's contract first

By Tom Gott

Kepa could leave Chelsea
Kepa could leave Chelsea / Image Photo Agency/GettyImages
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Bournemouth are in talks with Chelsea over a loan deal for goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, a report has revealed.

Kepa is available for transfer this summer after entering the final 12 months of his contract and is keen to return to Real Madrid, where he spent last season on loan to help cover for the injury to Thibaut Courtois.

Madrid, however, are not prepared to move for Kepa while current backup Andriy Lunin remains on the books. It was recently reported that the Ukraine international plans to let his contract expire next summer, meaning Kepa's chances of returning to the Santiago Bernabeu appear slim.

Meanwhile, The Athletic state that Bournemouth have identified Kepa as their top goalkeeper target before the closure of the summer transfer window.

Talks have been held with both Chelsea and Kepa himself as the Cherries seek to strike a loan deal for the 29-year-old.

Kepa Arrizabalaga
Chelsea would rather sell Kepa / Alex Caparros/GettyImages

Kepa's expiring contract gives Chelsea a decision to make. While there are no legal rules blocking a player in the final year of their contract leaving on loan, authorising such a deal would effectively mean Chelsea have accepted losing the world's most expensive goalkeeper on a free transfer next summer.

As a result, a one-year extension could be discussed, ensuring Chelsea remain in the same negotiating position in the summer of 2025.

Bournemouth do have other potential targets, including Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale, but are currently focused on securing Kepa's signature. Ramsdale has also been linked with the likes of Southampton and Wolves.

Chelsea turned down a bid for Kepa from Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad earlier this summer but are keen to find a permanent buyer, although with just seven days remaining in the window, the Blues could be tempted to agree to a loan deal.

A loan to another Premier League club would be preferable over a temporary move to another country, which would take up a valuable overseas loan spot.

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