As The Pitch Prospect has learned, Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is on Bournemouth’s radar for a possible loan.
The Spanish goalkeeper is considered superfluous by the Blues and does not feature in coach Enzo Maresca’s plans.
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Kepa is one of several Chelsea stars, along with Raheem Sterling, Romelu Lukaku, Ben Chilwell and Trevoh Chalobah, who train outside the first team.
The 29-year-old spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, where he made 20 appearances in all competitions and won a La Liga title, as well as the Champions League and the Spanish Super Cup.
It is believed that talks have taken place between the Cherries and the West London giants.
However, some complications still need to be resolved before Kepa can move to the Vitality Stadium, where he would compete with Neto for a place in the starting line-up.
With only a year left on his contract, Chelsea want to force him into a new deal to avoid losing him on a free transfer after spending £72 million to sign him.
They would want Kepa to agree to the terms of a reduced salary contract.
Bournemouth, however, would demand a significant contribution to his salary from Chelsea – or a cut so large that the costs would be fully covered.
In addition to Kepa, Andoni Iraola is also considering a move to Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale.
However, it is clear that Kepa remains Bournemouth’s biggest target.
England international Ramsdale played 37 Premier League games for the south coast team in the 2019/20 season.
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Like Kepa, Ramsdale has fallen down the pecking order and his future at the Emirates is uncertain.
However, it remains to be seen whether Arsenal will let Ramsdale leave on loan.
The title contender has already rejected a loan from Dutch club Ajax.
Wolves recently submitted a loan deal for Ramsdale, which includes an option to buy.
Currently, Wolves’ offer to Arsenal is still on the table; the North Londoners are demanding a transfer fee in the region of £25 million.
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