Kepa Arrizabalaga could be nearing the exit (Picture: Getty)
Chelsea could be close to finally offloading Kepa Arrizabalaga, with Premier League rivals Bournemouth now exploring a loan deal for the goalkeeper.
Arrizabalaga, who became the world’s most expensive goalkeeper when he joined the Blues for £72m in 2018, spent last season on loan at Real Madrid.
But the Spanish team chose not to make the move permanent and Arrizabalaga has subsequently fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea.
Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen look set to share number-one duties, while the club also has Djordje Petrovic and Marcus Bettinelli on the books.
The 29-year-old has been training away from the first-team squad for a number of weeks under the tutelage of former Blues keeper Carlo Cudicini but now looks to be closing in on a move away from Stamford Bridge.
And according to The Athletic, the keeper could be staying in the Premier League, with Bournemouth keen to explore a loan deal.
The Cherries are also said to be considering a move for Arsenal goalie and former number one Aaron Ramsdale who is also attracting interest from Wolves.
Arrizabalaga made 20 appearances for Real Madrid last season (Picture: Getty)
Any loan move for Arrizabalaga would first require Chelsea to grant the keeper a contract extension given his current deal is set to expire at the end of this season.
The Blues are looking to shift several players in the closing weeks of the window, with Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell the most high-profile casualties of Enzo Maresca’s bloated squad.
Romelu Lukaku is also nearing a permanent exit, with the Belgian striker closing in on a move back to Serie A with Napoli.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have not ruled out more incoming this window, with Maresca hinting that they are still interested in recruiting another striker.
‘If we have the chance to bring in a nine that can help us and make the difference, then we are going to try. Otherwise, we are okay,’ the Italian said.
‘We do not need to sign players just to sign players. If we sign players and they help us to improve, then for sure we need players. Otherwise, we are happy with the way we are.’
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