Fabrizio Romano announces ANOTHER Chelsea summer transfer

Tom Weber

Updated: 29 Mar 2025 15:36 GMT
4 min read

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Bournemouth want to make Kepa Arrizabalaga's loan from Chelsea permanent.

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The Spaniard has managed to revive his career at the Vitality Stadium. Kepa, who once commanded a world-record €80 million, joined Bournemouth on loan last summer after a one-season stint at Real Madrid.

Current ETV

Kepa Arrizabalaga

B'mouth

Kepa Arrizabalaga

B'mouth

ETV Range

€9.1M - €11.1M

The forgotten Chelsea flop has managed to impress with the Cherries, even if he has made the odd mistake. It was recently revealed that Bournemouth are very happy with the shot-stopper and are considering keeping him around.

There is no purchase option in his loan deal, but it has been claimed in recent months that Kepa has a bargain release clause. He extended his expiring contract by a year before leaving Chelsea and the deal is said to include a €6m exit clause.

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed that the South Coast club are keen to prolong the 30-year-old's stay.

Bournemouth to sign Kepa?

Writing on X, Romano announced: "Bournemouth are keen on signing Kepa on a permanent deal after his excellent season on loan from Chelsea. The deal will depend on final costs, but Bournemouth are happy with his impact and Chelsea will surely sell Kepa as he’s one of the players on the outgoing list."

If the reports of Kepa's release clause are correct, it is difficult to imagine Bournemouth refusing to trigger it, especially if they qualify for European competition. The Cherries are currently 10th in the Premier League table, but only four points separate them and Man City in fifth.

A deal to sign Kepa permanently may not be wrapped up imminently, although Chelsea will surely be keen to offload the Spaniard early this summer.

The Blues are determined to get the majority of their business done ahead of the Club World Cup and have been encouraged in this endeavour by the Premier League accepting FIFA's special 10-day transfer window at the start of June.

It means that all clubs in England's top flight, not just the Club World Cup participants, will be able to complete transfers between June 1 and June 10 this summer. Chelsea have already announced the signings of Dario Essugo and Geovany Quenda, albeit the latter will join in 2026.