Real Madrid could reignite their interest in Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga in the summer transfer window if they decide to cash in on Andriy Lunin, according to reports in Spain.
The Ukrainian goalkeeper was given a first-team opportunity with Real Madrid last season, following a knee injury sustained by former Chelsea man Thibaut Courtois. Despite the loan signing of Kepa, Lunin was mainly first choice for Carlo Ancelotti.
He has, however, had to settle for a place on the bench more often than not this season, making just four starts in La Liga. Courtois’ return to fitness has seen him quickly reinstated as the first choice.
It has led to reports that Lunin could move on this summer in search of more first-team opportunities. Spanish outlet AS report that both Lunin and Real Madrid are open to any offers that may land on the table over the summer.
The report then adds that if Lunin does leave, then the Spanish side will turn to Kepa as a replacement, with the goalkeeper having been lined up last summer had Lunin left then.
The Chelsea goalkeeper instead joined fellow Premier League side AFC Bournemouth on loan until the end of the season. The 30-year-old has been the first choice for the Cherries, playing 25 times in all competitions so far this season.
Last week it was reported by the Daily Telegraph that Bournemouth are keen to make Kepa’s loan move permanent in the summer. The goalkeeper will have one year remaining on his deal at Stamford Bridge at the end of the current season, with it reported that a deal could still see the Blues cover some of his wages for the final year of his contract.
Kepa Arrizabalaga during the Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and AFC Bournemouth at Portman Road.
Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga joined Bournemouth on a season-long loan in the summer. (Image: Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
However, the more teams interested in the goalkeeper, the better the deal that Chelsea will get, due to teams competing to try and get a deal done. Any money made or wages saved through Kepa moving on will be a boost to Chelsea in terms of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
However, despite the reported interest in Kepa, former Premier League goalkeeper David Seaman believes that he still could return to replace Robert Sanchez as first choice at Stamford Bridge next season.
“He’s come back, and he didn’t have the best of times when he first went there, but he’s showing people what he can do (at Bournemouth). He is capable of that,” he said.
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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