Bournemouth Consider Permanent Move for Chelsea Goalkeeper | OneFootball

Bournemouth Keen to Keep Kepa

The goalkeeping carousel in the Premier League looks set to whirl into overdrive this summer, with Bournemouth among the clubs at the heart of the movement. Their focus is firmly on Kepa Arrizabalaga suggest reports from The Telegraph, who is currently on loan from Chelsea, who has quietly reasserted his reputation during a pivotal campaign on the south coast.

Having played in all but three Premier League matches for which he’s been eligible, Kepa has been a consistent presence under Andoni Iraola. His composure and shot-stopping have helped Bournemouth mount a surprise push for Champions League qualification.

Photo IMAGO

Chelsea, meanwhile, are building for the future and have sanctioned a massive £62.3 million double deal with Sporting Lisbon for starlets Geovany Quenda and Dário Essugo. With younger talent incoming and the wage bill under scrutiny, Kepa is expected to be available for the right deal.

He has one year remaining on his Chelsea contract. Any permanent deal is expected to involve Chelsea subsidising part of his wages – a compromise Bournemouth seem willing to explore.

Liverpool’s Mamardashvili Move Adds Pressure

Further up the table, Liverpool have made an assertive move of their own, signing Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia for £29 million. The deal, agreed last summer, brings the Georgian international to Anfield following a season-long stay in La Liga to complete the transition.

With Alisson Becker entrenched as Liverpool’s undisputed No 1, new boss Arne Slot faces a big decision: how to manage a stable yet crowded goalkeeping department.

Mamardashvili arrives with pedigree and the clear ambition to challenge for starts. Alisson remains one of the world’s finest, but depth breeds competition—and in modern football, competition sustains consistency.

Caoimhin Kelleher, Liverpool’s long-time understudy, could be the fall guy. Nottingham Forest attempted to sign him last season, and renewed interest is inevitable. Bournemouth are also reportedly watching his situation, especially if the Kepa deal falters. Kelleher needs first-team football to fulfil his potential, and this summer might finally present him with that chance.

Market Heats Up Across the League

Goalkeeper movement isn’t restricted to these three clubs. Newcastle are still admirers of Burnley’s James Trafford, who has stood out in the Championship this term. Though a move last summer didn’t materialise due to FFP concerns, interest remains strong.

Trafford himself noted: “It was a possibility that I could have gone to Newcastle but I didn’t.”

Manchester United are monitoring the market under new leadership, with doubts lingering over Andre Onana’s long-term fit after being signed by the previous regime.

Wolves’ Sam Johnstone, once on the brink of an England call-up, could also be on the move. Injuries and a lack of game time since January make him a prime target for teams seeking experience.

Leicester’s Mads Hermansen is another wildcard. The Danish shot-stopper has earned quiet plaudits in a struggling side and, at just 24, represents a long-term investment option for Premier League clubs looking for both value and potential.

Arsenal, too, may dip into the market. With David Raya the clear No 1 and Neto returning to Bournemouth following the expiry of his loan, Mikel Arteta will want a dependable back-up.

Chelsea’s Youth Revolution Continues

While Chelsea look to offload experienced figures like Kepa, their incoming transfer activity is heavily youth-focused. Deals for Brazilian Estevao Willian and Ecuador’s Kendry Paez add to a vibrant recruitment strategy. Both are highly rated and expected to join this summer alongside Sporting Lisbon duo Essugo and Quenda.

Essugo, a defensive midfielder, is set to cost Chelsea £18.65m and will join after completing his loan at Las Palmas. Quenda, one of Europe’s most tracked teenagers, will remain at Sporting for now, with his fee rising to £42.7m with add-ons.

The Stamford Bridge rebuild continues with an eye on potential more than proven pedigree. That makes players like Kepa expendable, but it also opens doors for clubs like Bournemouth to strike a bargain.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Kepa staying at Bournemouth? Yes, please. After years of goalkeeping uncertainty, we’ve finally got someone who fits Iraola’s high-line, high-pressure system. Kepa’s calmness and big-game experience have been a huge asset this season. If we secure Champions League football – and we’re still in that fight – we’ll need a reliable No 1, not another stop-gap.

Liverpool’s Mamardashvili signing is exciting too – but it raises the question: what happens to Kelleher? We’d welcome him in a heartbeat if the Kepa deal doesn’t happen. He’s hungry, talented, and ready to be a starter. Either way, it’s refreshing to see Bournemouth mentioned alongside this calibre of player.

Chelsea’s moves make sense from a squad planning perspective, but fans must be tired of constant transition. For us, though, the opportunity to snap up someone like Kepa, who’s clearly surplus to their requirements, feels like a no-brainer. Just get it done early – no last-minute scrambles.