Kepa Arrizabalaga has been the first-choice goalkeeper for AFC Bournemouth since joining them on loan from Chelsea last summer.
The Spain international recently stated a call from Andoni Iraola was crucial for him make a switch to Bournemouth.
The 30-year-old’s future beyond this season still needs to be resolved. La Razón state he will have to return to Chelsea if Bournemouth fail to reach an agreement with the Blues.
EFE in Spain have had a chat with the stopper about his future and La Razón have relayed his comments.
Kepa has kept six clean sheets and conceded 37 goals from 28 games for the Cherries and his immediate goal is finish this season on a bright note. There should be more clarity on his future after a meeting in the next few weeks.
“We’re eight games away from the end of the season. We’re doing very well and we’re going to try to finish in the best possible way, and we’ll see. In the coming weeks, we’ll have meetings and decide,” he said.
“The truth is, I’m happy with how the season is going, with how I’m feeling on the pitch, and enjoying it, which is something I was looking for and very important.”
The former Athletic man’s comments suggest he would be happy to extend his stay with Iraola’s side.
Kepa’s contract at Stamford Bridge will expire in 2026 and his parent club will have to make a decision on his permanent sale in the summer window
As well as Kepa, Dean Huijsen joined Bournemouth last summer. The 19-year-old centre-back has impressed for the Premier League club and that helped him make his debut for Spain last month.
Recent claims have said Real Madrid are keen on signing Huijsen in the summer window. The goalkeeper insists his compatriot is unfazed by the transfer links.
“I think there’s a lot of noise around him, but I think he’s taking it calmly, which is what he is, a pretty quiet guy,” Kepa explained.
“Highlighting his personality. At 19, he’s having no problem playing in the Premier League at the highest level; he made his debut for the national team and did so as if he were playing with his friends.”
“It’s one of those characteristics that isn’t easy to find. He’s very good and he has to keep working because he has his whole future ahead of him.”
Kepa was on loan at Real Madrid last season. When quizzed whether Huijsen has asked him about Los Blancos, he added: “We’ll leave that in the dressing room.”
