Kepa Arrizabalaga Leaves Chelsea For Bournemouth

Bournemouth have completed the signing of Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

Kepa, 29, who is the world’s most expensive goalkeeper following his £71 million transfer from Athletic Bilbao to Chelsea in 2018, is excited to begin a new journey at Bournemouth.

Kepa, who played with Bournemouth boss Iraola at Bilbao, told the club’s YouTube channel that he hopes to win a trophy with the Premier League club.

He said: “I know Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth coach) well, so of course that was a big reason for coming here, he spoke very well about everything here.

“I am so ready to be here and play in front of our fans.

“Hopefully, we can win something, and it could be a great year.”

Following a loan spell at Real Madrid last season, during which he made 20 appearances and contributed to their La Liga and Champions League victories, Kepa’s return to Chelsea led to the extension of his contract, preventing the possibility of a free transfer at the end of his loan spell with Bournemouth.

The Cherries’ chief executive, Neill Blake, expressed delight in securing Kepa’s services, highlighting the goalkeeper’s calibre and the club’s eagerness to bring him in on loan.

“We are delighted to bring a player of Kepa’s calibre to AFC Bournemouth,” Blake said.

“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.”