According to reports in Spain, Chelsea and Real Madrid are in negotiations for a swap deal involving goalkeepers Kepa Arrizabalaga and Andriy Lunin.
Chelsea have reportedly been thinking about moving for Lunin in recent weeks, but they are unwilling to pay Real Madrid’s €30 million asking price.
A potential solution that is currently being considered by both teams is a swap deal in which Kepa would permanently return to Santiago Bernabeu and Lunin would land at Stamford Bridge, according to AS, as reported by Metro.
The Ukrainian goalkeeper has not accepted a contract extension and may leave the Champions League winners this summer.
Due to this, Los Blancos have begun searching for a successor, with the Chelsea player—who has indicated his desire to join them—being their main target.
To become Thibaut Courtois’ backup at Real Madrid the next season, Kepa is prepared to take a wage cut.
However, he can only join the La Liga winners if Lunin leaves them.
With Lunin’s worth rising after a stellar season in goal last term, Real are also seeking a money as part of the deal.
The report adds that the two parties are still in negotiations regarding how much money would be needed to make the deal happen.
Real Madrid and Kepa are watching developments about Lunin’s future, and if Chelsea offer money as part of the deal, a transfer might happen.
Chelsea need a new goalkeeper despite having two options
In addition to Dorde Petrovic and Robert Sanchez, the Blues manager Enzo Maresca is looking for a new goalkeeper this summer.
Chelsea have made two major signings this summer after completing deals for defender Tosin Adarabioyo and midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Their third signing could be a goalkeeper and if they can manage to reach an agreement with Real Madrid, it will be Ukraine international goalkeeper Lunin.