Fabrizio Romano gives an update on Real Madrid star Andriy Lunin's future amid links to Chelsea
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has quashed suggestions Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is headed to Chelsea. The Ukrainian shot-stopper's future is uncertain and he has a year left on his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Romano downplayed reports linking Lunin with an impending move to Stamford Bridge. He wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that there has been no approach and that Kepa Arrizabalaga has been the main topic of discussion between the two clubs:
"Real Madrid have not received any approach from Chelsea for Andriy Lunin so far. The only topic discussed is about Kepa who’s giving total priority to Real Madrid… in case Lunin leaves. Kepa received formal proposal from Al Ittihad but still waiting for Real Madrid."
Spanish media reported that Lunin is on the verge of a move to Chelsea and that Carlo Ancelotti isn't a massive fan of the Ukraine international. He was the Italian coach's No.1 for most of last season as Thibaut Courtois was injured.
Lunin, 25, recently spoke about his future and said that Madrid controlled his destiny (via the second report):
"The only thing I can say is that everything was going the right way about me staying and now the ball is on Real Madrid’s court. That’s all I can say about my future. It’s all in their hands now."
Lunin made 31 appearances across competitions, keeping 12 clean sheets. He lost his place as Madrid's No.1 to Courtois when the Belgian returned from an ACL injury.
Real Madrid's Andriy Lunin is reportedly not the profile Chelsea are seeking, Robert Sanchez set to be their No.1
The Telegraph's Matt Law reports that Chelsea are looking to sign a new goalkeeper but that Lunin doesn't fit their vision. The Ukrainian will have been playing under new Blues boss Enzo Maresca if they did swoop for him.
Maresca is said to count on Robert Sanchez, and initially, the West Londoners weren't looking to sign a new goalkeeper. They believe the Spaniard is a shot-stopper befitting their new coach's brand of football.
Chelsea are in the market for a new goalkeeper, but Sanchez is set to be Maresca's No.1 next season. He arrived from Brighton & Hove Albion last summer, but injuries blighted his debut campaign at Stamford Bridge.
Sanchez, 26, made 35 appearances across competitions, keeping five clean sheets. A knee injury hampered his season, and fellow new signing, Djordje Petrovic, came in as his replacement.
Petrovic was former manager Mauricio Pochettino's No.1, but Sanchez looks set to reclaim that spot under Maresca. Law noted that he'll need to impress during pre-season to ensure that remains the plan.