Kepa confirms next steps at Chelsea amid Real Madrid links | OneFootball

Kepa Arrizabalaga, a rumoured transfer target for Real Madrid, has confirmed he will hold talks with Chelsea over his long-term future in the coming weeks.

The 30-year-old became the world's most expensive goalkeeper when he joined the Blues for £71m in 2018, but several disappointing years ultimately saw him lose his spot as a starter. Kepa joined Real Madrid on loan last season to help cover for an injury to Thibaut Courtois, but has reinvigorated his career during a temporary spell with Bournemouth this year.

Bournemouth are keen to sign Kepa permanently this summer - their deal does not include any such agreement with Chelsea - but it has been reported that Madrid are also looking at him if they lose current deputy Andriy Lunin.

Quizzed on his future after Bournemouth's 2-2 draw with West Ham United at the weekend, Kepa insisted he did not know what his next move will be but did not shy away from admitting his happiness with life at the Vitality Stadium.

"Obviously what I can say is that I'm really happy and I'm enjoying my playing time here," he explained. "I think I'm showing that and I'm feeling well on the pitch.

"It's not the time to think about the future, we're going to take the decision, we're in touch with everybody and now I'm under contract with Chelsea. We have some conversations to have, they will happen in the next few weeks and then we'll decide."

Kepa will have just 12 months remaining on his contract when he returns to Chelsea this summer. The Blues have long been desperate to cut ties with the stopper, even if they have to agree to a small pay-off to convince him to give up part of his wages, and failed to convince him to move to Saudi Arabia last year.

Chelsea have several goalkeepers fighting for a role next season. Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen are the two senior options currently in Enzo Maresca's squad, but Djordje Petrovic could reclaim a spot after an impressive loan spell with sister side Strasbourg. Highly rated 19-year-old Mike Penders is also due to join from Genk in a deal worth £17m.