‘Bournemouth to buy Kepa from Chelsea amid update on Liverpool’s Kelleher’
Bournemouth are expected to move for Kepa Arrizabalaga on a permanent deal from Chelsea after an update on Caoimhin Kelleher’s prospective move to the Vitality Stadium.
The 30-year-old shot-stopper joined the Cherries in the summer on a loan move from the Blues, in a move that has worked out brilliantly for the Spaniard.
The former Athletic Club goalkeeper endured a difficult five years in West London, but Arrizabalaga has wowed Bournemouth fans with his performances since joining the club.
However, with his deal only being a temporary switch, Bournemouth have also been strongly linked with a move for Liverpool’s Kelleher, who is expected to leave Anfield in the hopes of securing first-team football.
The Cherries’ interest in the Irish goalkeeper has led to reports that he may be included in a deal for Milos Kerkez, but that now looks unlikely to happen after a report from The Times.
Bournemouth not interested in receiving Caoimhin Kelleher in deal for Milos Kerkez with Liverpool
The Cherries have reportedly put a £45million price tag on their Hungarian left-back, with Liverpool keen to find a replacement for Andy Robertson this summer.
Bournemouth are looking for a straight cash deal should they sanction the sale of Kerkez this summer, and would not be interested in Kelleher being included in a potential transfer between the two clubs.
The Cherries are now in a strong position to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) and are looking to finish the season with European qualification.
They are likely to attempt to sign Arrizabalaga from Chelsea in a permanent deal this summer, with the Spanish keeper having one year left on his contract with the West London club.
Chelsea may look to sign Caoimhin Kelleher if Bournemouth sign Kepa Arrizabalaga
Football Insider Verdict
Since Thibaut Courtois’ move to Real Madrid in 2018, it is fair to say the club have failed to adequately replace the Belgian in that time period.
This season, Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen have taken it in turns to prove themselves wholly incapable of being the Blues’ long-term option in net and it is a position that once again, requires addressing.
Mike Penders will join from Genk this summer, and the Belgian shot-stopper comes with a lot of hype, but at just 19 years old, he will need time to adapt and develop.
| 2024/25 Premier League stats | Arrizabalaga | Sanchez | Kelleher |
| Appearances | 22 | 23 | 8 |
| Clean sheets | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Goals conceded | 29 | 28 | 9 |
| Save percentage | 72.4% | 73.6% | 72.7% |
| Errors leading to goal | 1 | 5 | 1 |
Djordje Petrovic is expected to be given a chance at the Club World Cup this summer, following a successful season with Strasbourg, but it remains to be seen if Enzo Maresca can be swayed on his opinion of the Serbian.
As a consequence, Chelsea may look to sign Kelleher as a stop-gap option, giving the two young keepers time to develop.
The Irishman has been impressive during Alisson’s periods on the side-lines this season and would be a step-up on the current options available to Maresca.