Bournemouth aware of Kepa Arrizabalaga 'difficulty' as Cherries identify two replacements

Arrizabalaga is enjoying a successful loan spell with the Cherries after spending the 2023-24 season on loan at Real Madrid.

The Spaniard has established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper, keeping five clean sheets in 20 Premier League appearances.

Arrizabalaga has played his part in Bournemouth keeping their number of goals conceded down to just 32 in 27 matches, giving them the third-best defensive record in the top flight.

Unfortunately for the Cherries, there is no option in Arrizabalaga's loan deal for Bournemouth to make his move permanent, meaning he will return to Chelsea at the end of the season.

Bournemouth aware of Arrizabalaga difficult

According to Estadio Deportivo, Bournemouth are aware that it will be difficult to bring Arrizabalaga back to the Vitality Stadium for the 2025-26 campaign.

The Cherries appear keen to recruit the 30-year-old on a permanent deal, but pulling off a transfer will be easier said than done given the number of fine performances he has put in this season.

The report suggests that there will be plenty of competition for the goalkeeper's signature ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Chelsea have also not ruled out the prospect of bringing him back into the first-team squad, although they may be tempted to cash in given the fact his contract expires in June 2026.

Bournemouth targeting potential replacements

Due to the uncertain nature of Arrizabalaga's future, Bournemouth are believed to be scouring the market for potential replacements in the event they fail to sign the Chelsea man on a permanent transfer.

According to journalist Ekrem Konur, the Cherries are 'monitoring the situation' of Southampton shot-stopper Aaron Ramsdale and Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.

Ramsdale is believed to have a relegation clause in his contract which could allow him to depart Southampton despite only completing a move from Arsenal last summer.

The clause is likely to come into play with the Saints currently languishing at the bottom of the table with just nine points from 27 matches.

Meanwhile, Bayindir has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford after being restricted to just seven competitive appearances since arriving from Fenerbahce in 2023.

Written by

Ben Sully