Kepa Arrizabalaga could still have a future at Chelsea after the club triggered a clause in his loan deal with Bournemouth, according to reports from Spain.
The Spanish goalkeeper, who remains the most expensive in football history, has not featured for Chelsea since Frank Lampard’s interim tenure in 2023. After a season on loan at Real Madrid, where he lost his starting spot to backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, Kepa joined Bournemouth on a temporary deal in August.
It was reported that Kepa signed a one-year extension to his Chelsea contract before moving to the south coast, keeping him at Stamford Bridge until June 2026.
MARCA claims that Chelsea had to activate an option in the deal before January 31 to secure this extension. The club duly triggered the clause, preventing Kepa from becoming a free agent in the summer.
While this could be a strategic move to ensure Chelsea receives compensation for the £72m signing if he is sold, there is also growing speculation that Kepa’s performances—combined with the struggles of Chelsea’s current number one, Robert Sanchez—could see him return to the club.
Sanchez has endured a difficult season, including a series of mistakes in a loss to Manchester City. Following that performance, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca publicly questioned Sanchez’s form, and the Spaniard was subsequently dropped for a victory over West Ham United.
No Premier League goalkeeper has made more errors directly leading to goals than Sanchez, who has made five. In contrast, Kepa has committed just one error. The 28-year-old has also been in impressive form for Bournemouth, with the best save percentage in the Premier League and conceding 21 goals in 17 appearances—three fewer than expected based on the quality and quantity of shots faced.
Chelsea had been linked with a late move for Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel during the winter window but ultimately stuck with Sanchez and backup Filip Jorgensen.
Additionally, Chelsea will have 19-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders available from June after his £17m transfer. However, it’s possible Kepa could return to Stamford Bridge next season as well.
