Chelsea have loaned goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to AFC Bournemouth for the season, both clubs have confirmed. While he previously just had 12 months left on his contract, Arrizabalaga signed a one-year extension so as to remain on Chelsea’s books and retain his value.
The Spanish goalkeeper arrived at Chelsea in 2018 for a price tag of €80 million ($89.3 million), making him the most expensive goalkeeper in football history. Contrary to his exorbitant value, Arrizabalaga struggled to find his form at Stamford Bridge, falling out of favor with former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard in September 2020.
Unable to find his form, the Spaniard lost out on his place in the team when Chelsea signed Édouard Mendy in September 2020. He went on loan to Real Madrid last season after the club’s first-choice keeper, another former Chelsea player Thibaut Courtois, was sidelined with an ACL injury in his right knee.
