Chelsea have confirmed that goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has made the loan switch to Bournemouth for the 2024-25 campaign.
The Blues have been attempting to part ways with the Spain international all summer courtesy of just one year remaining on his contract.
Despite the change of head coach, there has been never any possibility of the former £71.6m signing being reintegrated back into the squad as co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital attempt to reduce the club's outgoings.
A potential move to the Saudi Pro League failed to materialise, as did another temporary transfer to Real Madrid after spending the 2023-24 season at the Bernabeu.
However, an opportunity has arisen at the Vitality Stadium where Arrizabalaga links up with a head coach in Andoni Iraola who he played with during their time at Athletic Bilbao.
He's a Kepa 🧤 pic.twitter.com/AfeiLh2jmP
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) August 29, 2024
What have Bournemouth had to say?
Speaking on the deal, chief executive Neill Blake said: "We are delighted to bring a player of Kepa's calibre to AFC Bournemouth.
"We were aware of his availability and were keen to take the opportunity to bring him to the club on loan.
"We believe he will be an exciting addition to our talented goalkeeping department."
While the expectation is that Arrizabalaga will become the number one for the Cherries, he faces competition with Neto, the club captain.
Confirmed ✅ pic.twitter.com/roVsKYpSBz
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) August 29, 2024
What are the terms of the deal?
The deal put in place is a straight loan, with Bournemouth likely to be paying a large chunk of Arrizabalaga's wages as Chelsea bid to ease their position with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability regulations.
Chelsea have also handed Arrizabalaga a contract extension until 2026 in order to protect his valuation ahead of a potential sale next summer.
Arrizabalaga moves to the South coast having made 109 appearances in the Premier League, conceding 129 goals and keeping 35 clean sheets.
During his time with Real Madrid, the 29-year-old would ship just 18 goals in 20 outings, contributing to their La Liga and Champions League success.
Darren Plant
