Bournemouth completed the signing of Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga on a season-long loan on Thursday.
Chelsea confirmed this morning that Kepa Arrizabalaga, 29, has signed a one-year contract extension at Stamford Bridge. This has been accompanied by an immediate switch to Premier League rivals Bournemouth on loan.
The Spanish goalkeeper spent last season out on loan with Real Madrid, where he kept nine clean sheets in 20 games. He picked up a Champions League, La Liga and Spanish Super Cup medal, too.
Now, he’s returned to English football and will look to impress in-between the sticks for Bournemouth.
Speaking recently by talkSPORT, Jason Cundy acknowledged Kepa hasn’t worked out as a Chelsea player. He’s certainly not lived up to his £71m price tag (BBC) since he joined the Blues from Athletic Bilbao back in 2018.
However, he’s certainly a high-profile name and interesting addition to Bournemouth’s ranks.
- READ MORE: Chelsea’s 10 most expensive transfer signings of all time includes Kepa Arrizabalaga at seven
Bournemouth fans on Kepa Arrizabalaga
Many Bournemouth supporters on social media are all saying they’re positive about the announcement of Chelsea’s Kepa joining them for this 2024/25 season.
Here are some Cherries fans discussing their new goalkeeper:
One fan said: “Bournemouth are a very good Premier League team about to surprise many this season. The PL is far stronger than La Liga. Kepa will do well and save us quite a few points.”
Another wrote: “I have high hopes for Kepa (hopefully he does good)”
A third user posted: “A very exciting incoming and it certainly feels very strange to have a Champions League winning goalkeeper.”
One supporter claimed: “Real Madrid last season. AFC Bournemouth this season. We’ve needed a new GK for a while – and this is a big name. Andoni Iraola knows him very well from Athletic Bilbao. Said it many times, but our recent recruitment has been incredible. Top 10 push is firmly on.”
Another shared: “Not a bad signing for Bournemouth.”
Chelsea situation in goal
It certainly looks like Chelsea are moving forward this season with Robert Sanchez as the number one, while Filip Jorgensen is his understudy. Incidentally, we think that could change in the coming months.
Kepa has secured his move to go and play first-team football this campaign. It’s reported that Blues gloveman Djordje Petrovic will soon follow him, too.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported via X that Petrovic is set to join Strasbourg on a season-long loan.
There’s several other goalkeepers either out on loan or on Chelsea’s books right now, but the immediate focus appears to be on Sanchez and Jorgensen.
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