Chelsea get two out the door! Kepa Arrizabalaga leaves on loan to Premier League side as Djordje Petrovic nears Strasbourg move
Chelsea flop Kepa Arrizabalaga has completed a loan move to Bournemouth and team-mate Djordje Petrovic is reportedly nearing a switch to Strasbourg.
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Chelsea have surplus of keepers
Kepa completes Bournemouth loan
Petrovic nearing Strasbourg loan
WHAT HAPPENED?
With Robert Sanchez and summer signing Filip Jorgensen battling for the number one spot at Chelsea, head coach Enzo Maresca has a surplus of goalkeepers. As a result, the Blues have confirmed Kepa will spend this season with Bournemouth, while Fabrizio Romano claims Petrovic is set to join Strasbourg on loan for 2024-25.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Kepa became the world's most expensive goalkeeper after swapping Athletic Club for Chelsea in 2018 for £72 million ($94.5m) but he has not lived up to that hefty price tag. After spending last season on loan at Real Madrid, he will play for Andoni Iraola's side this term; while Petrovic, who was first choice for Chelsea in the second half of the season, has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge - so this potential move is a good opportunity for him.
DID YOU KNOW?
Kepa signed a new contract with Chelsea before moving to Bournemouth, with his new deal running until the summer of 2026. Serbia international Petrovic joined the Blues from New England Revolution in 2023 and is contracted to the west London outfit until 2030.
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WHAT NEXT?
Kepa could make his Bournemouth debut on Saturday when the Cherries travel to Everton, but if Petrovic heads to the Ligue 1 side, he may have to wait until September 15 when they play Angers before making his bow.