Chelsea in talks with European giants to sign 25-year-old cult hero
Chelsea are in talks with Spanish giants Real Madrid for a swap deal involving Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. The West London club is set to propose Spanish custodian Kepa Arrizabalaga in return. The Spaniard spent last season on loan at Real Madrid.
The Ukrainian shot-stopper thrived under Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti for Real Madrid last season. Lunin joined the Spanish club in 2018 following his journey with Ukrainian club Zorya Lugansk. He was initially loaned out to multiple Spanish clubs before finally making his debut for Real Madrid in 2021. The Ukrainian struggled at the Spanish club due to a lack of playing time.
Former Chelsea ace Thibaut Courtois has been the first-choice goalkeeper for the Spanish giants since 2018, limiting Lunin’s playing time. However, Lunin became the first-choice goalkeeper last year after the Belgian custodian picked up an ACL injury in August. He appeared in 31 games for Los Blancos and kept 12 clean sheets. The 25-year-old custodian used his chance wisely with exceptional performances on the goal line, playing a major part in taking the team to the Champions League finals.
Lunin has two more years left on his contract with the Spanish giants, and he may leave the club this summer for more playing time. He has been linked with multiple clubs across Europe, and Chelsea are advancing talks for a swap deal involving Kepa.
After completing seven signings, Chelsea have shifted their focus to bolstering their goalkeeping options. Chelsea signed Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic last summer, but both custodians have failed to impress. Consequently, Chelsea are targeting new shot-stoppers to kick-start the Maresca era.
According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, the West London club is closing in on signing a deal with Villareal for Filip Jorgensen. Chelsea are keen on adding another goalkeeper this summer and are trying for Lunin in a swap deal involving Kepa.
Kepa is currently entering his final year with Chelsea, and manager Enzo Maresca has not included the Spanish goalkeeper in his new plans for the Blues. Kepa had a decent performance under Ancelotti last season, playing 20 games for the Spanish side and keeping 9 clean sheets during his loan spell.
Lunin is a good option for the West London club, but he might only be considered a second-choice goalkeeper under Maresca. The Italian gaffer is expected to try the young custodian Jorgensen as the first-choice goalkeeper for the Blues in the upcoming season. Additionally, Real Madrid has not shown any interest in signing Kepa on a permanent deal so far.
Chelsea will also offload some existing goalkeepers from the club as part of reinforcing the squad.
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