Actually, ever since Chelsea signed Kepa Arrizabalaga from Athletic Bilbao in the summer of 2018 for an incredible €80 million, things haven’t quite worked out.
The loan to Bournemouth has changed absolutely everything. – Prior to the loan, Chelsea almost tried to give away the Spanish goalkeeper for 10 million euros. – Drastic decline for the goalkeeper who was the world’s most expensive goalkeeper when he was brought to London.
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Now the situation is completely different. Real Madrid are back on the pitch and Kepa Arrizabalaga has confirmed that he will discuss his future with Chelsea in the coming weeks.
The 30-year-old goalkeeper has several disappointing years behind him at Chelsea, which led to him losing his place as the first goalkeeper.
Kepa was on loan at Real Madrid last year to cover Thibaut Courtois’ injury problems, but has revived his career during a loan spell at Bournemouth this season.
Bournemouth and Real Madrid interested
Bournemouth are interested in signing Kepa permanently this summer – the loan deal does not include a purchase clause – but it has also been reported that Real Madrid are considering him if they lose current reserve goalkeeper Andrij Lunin.
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When asked about his future after Bournemouth’s 2-2 draw with West Ham United last weekend, Kepa insisted he doesn’t know what the next step is, but stressed that he is enjoying his time at Bournemouth.
“What I can say is that I’m very happy and enjoying my playing time here,” he said. “I think I’m showing it and I’m feeling good on the pitch. Now is not the time to think about the future – we are going to make a decision. I’m in contact with everyone and I still have a contract with Chelsea. We have some conversations in the pipeline, they will happen in the next few weeks, and then we will make a decision.”
Uncertain future at Chelsea
Kepa only has one year left on his contract at Chelsea when he returns this summer. The Blues have long wanted to end their collaboration with him, even though they have to pay part of his salary to reach a deal. The club was unable to persuade him to sell Saudi Arabia last year.
Chelsea have several goalkeepers fighting for a place next season. Robert Sánchez and Filip Jørgensen are the two most experienced options in Enzo Maresca’s squad. Đorđe Petrović could also return after an impressive loan spell in Strasbourg. In addition, the highly valued 19-year-old Mike Penders is on his way to the club from Genk in a deal worth £17 million.
Many have seen Kepa Arrizabalaga’s rise and Chelsea’s willingness to get rid of him. If we are to bet, we think he will choose a club where he gets to play a lot rather than a role as a second goalkeeper at Real Madrid. Marca writes that he is relevant for several clubs in La Liga, including crisis club Sevilla and Villarreal. Hamburger SV has also made contact and will offer a contract if they keep the position as league leader in the 2.Bundesliga and are promoted.
But don’t worry, the list of stakeholders isn’t filled up yet.
