Kepa Arrizabalaga in talks to join shock Premier League club in the most unexpected transfer of the summer

 

Arrizabalaga looks set to leave Chelsea once again.

Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is in talks to join another Premier League club on loan, according to a new report.

The Spain international has become an outcast at Stamford Bridge this summer, and was not named as part of the squad in the club’s official matchday programme before their Premier League defeat to Manchester City.

Arrizabalaga spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, where he was part of the Champions League-winning squad, and was expected to be part of the mass Chelsea exodus this summer under new manager Enzo Maresca.

A move for the 29-year-old, who was once the most expensive goalkeeper in world football, has not yet materialised – but one now appears to be close.

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The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports that Bournemouth are in talks to sign Arrizabalaga, who has a year left on his Chelsea contract, on a season-long loan.

The Cherries are looking for competition for current number one shot-stopper Neto, who was impressive during his first Premier League season but struggled last term under Andoni Iraola.

Iraola knows Arrizabalaga well as the pair were both under contract at Athletic Bilbao between 2013 and 2015, although never played together in the first team.

The goalkeeper is likely one of a number of players who have been banished from Chelsea first team training, having not featured for the club at all in pre-season.

Maresca has yet to publicly comment on the Spaniard’s status – although did explain why Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell are training away from the main group.

He said: “We have a big squad and it’s impossible to give all of them minutes. If they are looking for minutes, it’s better for them to leave.

“Brutal? I don’t think so – I just try to be honest.

“I spoke with Raheem before the City game, I told he is going to struggle to get minutes with us.

“Chilly, he is a lovely guy, but he is going to struggle in his position with us. If you find this brutal, it is up to you to decide.”