Real Madrid star close to joining Chelsea as new signing: Reports
Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is reportedly on the verge of joining Chelsea. The Ukrainian shot-stopper earned regular game time last season with Thibaut Courtois injured but lost his spot once the Belgian returned.
Spanish outlet Radioestadio Noche reports that Lunin is close to leaving Los Blancos for the Blues. He has a year left on his contract, and the La Liga giants are prepared to cash in on him.
It's claimed that Carlo Ancelotti isn't a fan of Lunin, 25, outside of football. The Italian coach only chose him last season because of his consistent performances. The 13-cap Ukraine international made 31 appearances across competitions, keeping 12 clean sheets.
Lunin gave an update on his future last week and acknowledged how Real Madrid would have the final say. He said (via Marca):
"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 has also been linked with Arsenal, but Chelsea looks to have emerged as frontrunners in the race to sign him. He wants to become a starting goalkeeper, but that's unlikely at the Santiago Bernabeu while Courtois is still there.
There is more chance of him taking the west Londers' No.1 jersey under new manager Enzo Maresca. He'll battle with Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic for the starting goalkeeper's role if he does head to Stamford Bridge.
Real Madrid will reportedly try to sign Chelsea's Kepa Arrizabalaga permanently if Andriy Lunin leaves
Kepa Arrizabalaga could head in the opposite direction if Chelsea sign Lunin. The Spanish goalkeeper spent last season on loan at Real Madrid to replace Courtois but quickly became backup to the Ukrainian.
Marca reports that Madrid are interested in signing Kepa permanently should Lunin depart. He has a year left on his contract with the Blues so should be available at a cut-price deal.
Kepa, 29, made 20 appearances across competitions for Los Blancos, keeping nine clean sheets. He enjoyed his time in the Spanish capital and appears open to playing backup to Courtois to seal a permanent move.
However, the 13-cap Spain international has also been the subject of interest from Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ittihad. Reports claim Chelsea have rejected an undisclosed bid from the Saudi side for the Spaniard.
Kepa has been at Stamford Bridge since August 2018, when he joined from Athletic Bilbao for €80 million. That fee makes him the world's most expensive goalkeeper, but he has failed to shine in the Premier League.