‘Bournemouth set for Chelsea talks as English rivals enter hunt for Kepa’
Bournemouth are set for talks with Chelsea over the permanent signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga this summer as major competition emerges.
The Cherries signed Arrizabalaga on loan for the season last summer, with the Spanish goalkeeper extending his deal with the Blues by a further one year to 2026. [BBC]
Since then, the world’s most expensive keeper has played 25 times under Andoni Iraola, managing six clean sheets in the process.
The 30-year-old’s performances this term have seen Bournemouth express their wish to sign him permanently when the transfer window opens in June, but they could face competition from various other English and European teams.
Bournemouth want to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga permanently this summer
According to the Mail Online, Bournemouth want to sign the keeper permanently this summer, and they are set to speak with Chelsea and Arrizabalaga’s camp to try to get that deal done.
However, the report also states that Bournemouth are preparing for “every eventuality” which includes seeing which other goalkeepers are available in case they are unable to get Arrizabalaga.
It also suggests that Iraola was a “key factor” in Arrizabalaga choosing Bournemouth last summer and they would also like to keep him at the club ahead of next term with a new deal, after his impressive time in charge.
| Arrizabalaga stats for Bournemouth 24/25 |
| Games – 25 |
| Clean sheets – 6 |
Kepa Arrizabalaga thriving under Andoni Iraola
Football insider Verdict
Arrizabalaga kept his sixth clean sheet of the season in Bournemouth’s victory over Fulham, in what could prove to be an important result in the club’s hopes for European football.
The shot stopper made some fine saves throughout and once again showed improvements in the amount of mistakes he makes compared to his time at Chelsea.
Having worked together while in Spain, Iraola played a key part in convincing Arrizabalaga to join, and that decision may help them in their pursuit this summer.
With Bournemouth resigned to the idea of losing Dean Huijsen and potentially Antoine Semenyo and Milos Kerkez, then it seems natural for the club to want to bring an element of continuity to the side.
However, it remains to be seen what Kepa’s stance is on the potential deal or whether Bournemouth could opt for another target in the event a deal cannot be agreed.