Transfers: €80m man Kepa makes Bournemouth loan move

Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has joined Bournemouth on loan until the end of the season, a move which likely spells the end of Mark Travers stint with the Cherries.

Kepa spent last season on loan at Real Madrid and became available for a move away from Stamford Bridge after being told he was not in new manager Enzo Maresca's first-team plans for the current campaign.

The Spain international, who is the world’s most expensive keeper following his €80 million move to Stamford Bridge from Athletic Bilbao in 2018, has signed a one-year contract extension with the Blues.

"We are delighted to bring a player of Kepa’s calibre to Bournemouth," chief executive Neill Blake said

"We were aware of his availability and were keen to take the opportunity to bring him to the club on loan.

"We believe he will be an exciting addition to our talented goalkeeping department."

Kepa's arrival is likely to signal the departure of Republic of Ireland international Travers, who has been linked with Premier League side Crystal Palace and Championship outfits Blackburn Rovers, Burnley and Luton Town.

The 25-year-old Kildare keeper has been the back-up to the Cherries' first-choice Neto over the last two seasons, making four league and four cup appearances in 2023/24, and playing 14 games in a loan spell with Championship side Stoke. That was cut short after three months when he was recalled due to an injury to the Brazilian.

Travers last played for Ireland in the 1-1 friendly draw with New Zealand in November last year.

Fabio Vieira has left Arsenal for a season-long loan stint with Porto.

Vieira joined the Gunners from the Portuguese side ahead of the 2022-23 season but made just five starts in the Premier League.

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