Chelsea would prefer to offload one loanee rather than bring him back to the club next season, so it’s a boost that he’s now attracting interest from a European club.
Blues fans will be intrigued to see how many players leave Stamford Bridge in the summer, especially from the large group of individuals currently out on loan.
It’s been reported that Chelsea could sell up to eight players at the end of the season once the summer transfer window opens.
Bayer Leverkusen interested in signing Kepa Arrizabalaga
German club Bayer Leverkusen made it to the last 16 of this season’s Champions League before their exit at the hands of rivals Bayern Munich. However, they’ll get another crack in Europe’s elite club competition next season because they’re on course for a second-placed finish in the Bundesliga this term.
There’s now some interesting transfer speculation that suggests they’d like to sign Chelsea-owned goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
According to talkSPORT, Leverkusen are now keen on a deal to sign Kepa, 30, in the summer.
The report explains that the Spanish gloveman has been told he’s got no future at Chelsea, which is why he was allowed to join Bournemouth on a season-long loan. Even though he’s done well on the South Coast, there are ‘no plans’ for him to be reintegrated at Chelsea.
Apparently, Bournemouth are weighing up whether to sign Kepa permanently, but they may now face competition from Leverkusen.
Kepa will return to Stamford Bridge in the summer with another year still left on his deal with the Blues. Therefore, it could solve a potential headache if Champions League side Leverkusen come in and take him off the club’s hands.
Reports elsewhere claim that Bayer Leverkusen admire Djordje Petrovic, the Chelsea goalkeeper currently out on loan at Strasbourg.
Kepa Arrizabalaga a great fit for Bournemouth
Kepa is desperate to stay at Bournemouth by rejoining them in the summer, but will the Spanish gloveman get his wish?
The experienced shot-stopper has been extremely consistent this term for the Cherries.
| Appearances | Goals conceded | Clean sheets | Save percentage | Pass accuracy | Average match rating |
| 27 | 34 | 7 | 72.6% | 68.4% | 6.99 |
While Kepa previously struggled in the Chelsea environment under immense pressure, he fits being a big fish in a smaller pond.
The fresh interest from Leverkusen should be appealing with the offer of Champions League football, but it shouldn’t be as straightforward as that.
