Chelsea accept €74m loss on record signing

Kepa Arrizabalaga will be able to leave Chelsea for just €6 million next summer, according to a report.

The Spaniard, still the world’s most expensive goalkeeper ever, is spending the season out on loan at Bournemouth. After a temporary stint at Real Madrid last term, Kepa is now between the sticks in front of fewer than 12,000 fans at the Vitality Stadium.

In typical Kepa fashion, the 30-year-old has been solid without looking anything like a world-record player. Ahead of his move to the South Coast, Chelsea had to extend his contract by a year to avoid losing him for nothing next summer.

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His contract would have been up in 2025 but as the Blues failed to find a buyer in the previous transfer window, a new deal and a loan was the only solution for a player who once commanded a fee of €80 million.

Bournemouth do not have a purchase option or obligation, but the Cherries could still sign the shot-stopper permanently next year.

Kepa’s bargain release clause

According to the Daily Mail, the former Athletic Club star had a release clause inserted in his new Chelsea contract, allowing him to finally leave the club next summer.

If triggered, any potential transfer would see Chelsea make an eye-watering loss on Kepa because his clause is worth just €6m, the report claims. The loss would amount to a whopping €74m.

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At this stage, it is too early to know where the goalkeeper will end up next summer. Bournemouth could look to make his stay permanent, but he may also return to Spain. He had initially wanted to remain at Real Madrid, but Los Blancos refused to make a move.

One thing is clear, though: it is highly unlikely for the Spaniard to return to Stamford Bridge. Head coach Enzo Maresca is keeping the faith in Robert Sanchez despite growing calls for Filip Jorgensen to be made No.1 and Kepa does not feature in his plans at all.