Unwanted Chelsea star offered permanent Premier League lifeline

Chelsea's quest to permanently part ways with goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has seemingly been boosted by Bournemouth's desire to keep the Spaniard after his loan spell ends.

Kepa became the most-expensive goalkeeper in history when he joined Chelsea in 2018 for a fee of £71m, but he fell well short of expectations and has spent the past two seasons out on loan with Real Madrid and Bournemouth respectively.

Since joining the Cherries last summer, however, Kepa has enjoyed somewhat of a career resurgence. He has started 22 times in the Premier League to help Bournemouth in their battle to qualify for European football, and The Telegraph state he has done enough to convince his loan side to try sign him permanently.

Chelsea have been looking to sell Kepa permanently for several years and, as he prepares to return with just one year remaining on his contract, will once again encourage offers for the 30-year-old stopper.

His form should still help Kepa command a small fee, but Chelsea will also likely have to agree to pay a percentage of his wages over the next 12 months to convince their former starter to leave for good.

Kepa is one of several players who Chelsea will look to sell this summer. Those out on loan, including Joao Felix, Raheem Sterling, Axel Disasi, Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka and Armando Broja are all thought to be available, while the Blues could also listen to offers for Christopher Nkunku, Trevoh Chalobah and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

Chelsea have already started their summer transfer spree. Estevao Willian, Mike Penders, Kendry Paez and Dario Essugo will all finalise moves to Stamford Bridge, while Sporting CP winger Geovany Quenda has agreed to join in 2026 in a deal worth £44.7m.

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