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Tony MoganPublished Jul 25, 2024, 10:24pm|Updated Jul 25, 2024, 10:25pm
Chelsea and Real Madrid are negotiating a swap deal for goalkeepers Andriy Lunin and Kepa Arrizabalaga, according to reports in Spain.
Ukraine international Lunin served as Real’s no1 for most of the 2023-24 season but lost his place in the side following Thibaut Courtois’ return from injury – benched for the Champions League final victory over Borussia Dortmund.
Lunin was thought to be close to signing a deal long-term deal in the Spanish capital. But with Los Blancos unable to offer him any guarantees over first-team football, a move is being considered.
If Real are to allow Lunin to leave, they will bring in a replacement with Kepa their first choice to fill that role as Courtois’ understudy after his loan spell last season.
Kepa joined Real on loan following Courtois’ injury but it was Lunin who established himself as Carlo Ancelotti’s no1 in the Belgian’s absence.
AS report Chelsea have been considering a move for Lunin for a number of weeks but are not prepared to meet Real’s €30million asking price.
One alternative currently being discussed is a swap deal that would see Lunin arrive in west London with Kepa returning to Spain on a permanent basis.
Real are also looking for a fee as part of the deal, given Lunin’s value after an excellent campaign in goal last term. The two sides remain in talks over that number, the report adds.
For his part, Kepa is said to be desperate to return to Madrid, even if it means taking a pay cut.
Chelsea signed two goalkeepers last summer in Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic with the Serbian becoming Mauricio Pochettino’s no1 in goal midway through last season.
The Serbia international could be sold this summer however with concerns over his suitability for Enzo Maresca’s style of play.
Petrovic was left out of the Chelsea squad that travelled to the US for their pre-season tour due to a minor injury.
The Blues have reportedly made a £17m bid to sign Filip Jorgenson from Villarreal with the 22-year-old keen on the move to Stamford Bridge.
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