Real Madrid ready to sell star player for €30 million - Reports
Real Madrid have reportedly slapped a €30 million price tag on goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. The La Liga giants are prepared to part ways with the Ukrainian shot-stopper despite his impressive 2023-24 campaign.
Marca reports that Los Blancos will not sell Lunin for less than €30 million as he enters the final year of his contract. The 13-cap Ukraine international hasn't signed an extension and is willing to leave the Santiago Bernabeu.
Lunin, 25, wants to be a starting goalkeeper, but this isn't possible at Real Madrid. Carlo Ancelotti's No.1 is Thibaut Courtois, who reclaimed that spot from the Ukrainian after returning from an ACL injury last season.
However, Lunin impressed while Courtois was on the sidelines, helping Madrid book their place in the UEFA Champions League final. He kept 12 clean sheets in 31 games across competitions.
A move to the Premier League could be an option for Lunin as he is looking for more first-team opportunities. Chelsea are reportedly showing interest with question marks over Kepa Arrizabalaga's future. The Spaniard spent last season on loan at the Bernabeu but played second fiddle to Lunin.
Kepa could return to Real Madrid to replace Lunin if he departs this summer. The Ukrainian has been with the La Liga giants since July 2018, when he arrived from Zorya Luhansk.
"The best goalkeeper in the world" - Carlo Ancelotti made his feelings clear on Real Madrid's goalkeeping situation
Ancelotti was given somewhat of a dilemma heading into the Champions League final. The Italian coach needed to decide whether to start Lunin or Courtois amid the latter's return from injury.
Courtois, 32, missed most of the season but returned in the latter stages ahead of the final against Borussia Dortmund. Ancelotti spoke about the situation and made clear he views the Belgian shot-stopper as the world's best (via Managing Madrid):
"Lunin has helped a lot with a fantastic season and we have to take that into account. As well as the fact that the best goalkeeper in the world is coming back."
Courtois played the final as Real Madrid beat Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley on June 1. He was colossal as usual for Los Blancos and kept a clean sheet as his club clinched their 15th European title.
Lunin sat out the final and didn't travel with Madrid to London because he had a fever. It was heavily expected that Ancelotti would choose Courtois regardless of the Ukrainian's availability.