The transfer window is roaring past, and it really is time for Chelsea to tie off some of these final deals that seem impossible to get done.
Kepa Arrizabalaga is one – he’s been training with the bomb squad all summer, and after years of uncertainty it feels imperative we shift him somewhere sooner rather than later.
Fraser Gillan is today following up on reports of interest from Bournemouth that emerged over the weekend. He claims that Kepa is “set to join” the Cherries on loan until the end of the season.
The 29 year old has had little transfer interest over the years, which is why he’s still with us. But a loan where we cover part of his impressive wages seems to be a low enough commitment move that Bournemouth are willing to give it a go.
Kepa Arrizabalaga now set to join Bournemouth from Chelsea on loan until June 2025. #CFC #AFCB pic.twitter.com/HNFoAL4XwG
— Fraser (Fletcher) Gillan (@FrazFletcher) August 26, 2024
Questions remain about keeper’s departure
We’re still a little cautious on this deal, as we’ve not seen it reported by any of the big names yet. If Gillan has got this one right, we expect Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein and the rest to be backing it up before too long.
One curious question is over his contract. The Spaniard is into his final year, and if they loan him out without agreeing a new deal, they’re effectively just allowing him a free transfer a year early, minus whatever wage contribution Bournemouth will make.
Is there a chance that the Blues force Kepa to sign a new contract (with a very low release clause) in order to guarantee they get some sort of fee for him down the line? That seems to be the policy in these things, but given the long and difficult history between club and player, it may prove difficult for both parties to actually sign off on it.
