Bayern Munich eyeing Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga

Kepa Arrizabalaga directs his team during the first half of the pre season friendly match against the Brighton & Hove Albion at Lincoln Financial Field on July 22, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Kepa Arrizabalaga directs his team during the first half of the pre season friendly match against the Brighton & Hove Albion at Lincoln Financial Field on July 22, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Kepa and Thomas Tuchel
Edouard Mendy is replaced ahead of the penalty shoot out by Kepa Arrizabalaga as Thomas Tuchel looks on during the Carabao Cup Final match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on February 27, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Bayern Munich is reportedly considering a potential move for Chelsea’s current goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Tuchel has shortlisted Kepa to be Bayern’s first priority goalkeeper

Thomas Tuchel is interested in bringing the Spaniard to the Allianz Stadium. Talks between the two clubs appear to have occurred, but the next steps will likely unfold in the coming days. According to Bayern Munich journalist Kerry Hau, there are two other players on the shortlist alongside Kepa.

Manuel Neuer is expected to require several weeks for his recovery, and Yann Sommer has already completed his transfer to Serie A side Inter Milan. Tuchel is also unwilling to solely depend on Sven Ulreich and is actively searching for additional goalkeepers.

With the Super Cup against RB Leipzig just a few days away, the club’s priority is to secure a goalkeeper with a proven track record at the highest level, and who also possesses the potential to become a long-term solution in light of the uncertain situation concerning captain Neuer.

The club had also been in contention for David Raya, who recently joined Arsenal. As a result, the focus has shifted to the next Premier League team on the list. Tuchel also holds previous familiarity with the Spaniard from his time at Chelsea, which ended a year ago.

Bayern’s potential offer for Kepa

Bayern appears to be pursuing the goalkeeper on a one-year loan with an option to purchase. The formal offer is expected to be submitted in the upcoming days.

Chelsea’s roster

Following Edouard Mendy’s departure to join Saudi side Al Hilal earlier in this transfer window, the club found itself relying on Kepa as the primary goalkeeper. However, Pochettino was dissatisfied with Kepa’s distribution skills, prompting the club to make a move for Robert Sanchez from Brighton. This signing was completed last week.

Youngster Gabriel Slonina has been loaned to KAS Eupen, having made only one appearance for the senior team during the pre-season match against Dortmund.

And Marcus Bettinelli continues to serve as the current backup goalkeeper for the club.