Not every loan move that Chelsea sanctioned in the summer transfer window has worked out this season.
For example, Lesley Ugochukwu joined Southampton from Chelsea on a season-long loan deal and has only made two starts in the Premier League.
Journalist David Ornstein now expects Ugochukwu to return to Chelsea in January when the transfer window opens.
However, there are some loanees who are currently enjoying their time away from Stamford Bridge.
Kepa Arrizabalaga of Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford on December 22, 2...
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Andoni Iraola praises Kepa Arrizabalaga
Kepa Arrizabalaga is one of those loanees who is thriving at another club. The goalkeeper helped Bournemouth to beat Manchester United 3-0 on Sunday.
His manager Andoni Iraola spoke after the game and praised the 30-year-old for his performance and overall form since joining the Cherries.
Speaking to the Daily Echo about Kepa, Iraola said: “Today, he has been amazing. I think he’s looking very solid, he has done some very good games, the last ones.
“But today he had, apart from the good decisions on the ball, in a backline that is very, very young, I think we need this experience like calm, he shows from Adam [Smith], from Lewis Cook, from Kepa to help the other players.
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“And apart from that he has very good shot saving, let’s say. But it makes the performance very good.”
While the Spaniard looks comfortable at Bournemouth, it has been claimed that Kepa wants to return to Chelsea before making a decision on his future.
Kepa Arrizabalaga’s stats against Manchester United
Iraola was right to shower Kepa with praise after Bournemouth’s impressive victory against United, and the numbers prove it.
Kepa had an excellent game, making seven saves and preventing 1.45 goals. It was probably one of his best performances since arriving in England.
Kepa Arrizabalaga vs Manchester United Total
Minutes played 90
Goals conceded 0
Goals prevented 1.45
Saves 7
Saves from inside box 4
Punches 1
Runs out (successful) 2 (2)
Via Sofascore
For as good as Kepa has been at Bournemouth, though, his Chelsea career still looks to be over.
His contract expires in 2026, while Chelsea have Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen as their first and second-choice goalkeepers.
Mike Penders is set to join the club next summer, while there is also talk about the Blues being interested in another shot-stopper.
It has been reported that Chelsea are big fans of Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel. Whether they sign Kobel or not, though, there will not be any room for Kepa.
Under Iraola, he looks to have found a home at Bournemouth and the Spain international should now give serious consideration to staying there.
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