Kepa Arrizabalaga might still have a future at Chelsea. Spanish outlet MARCA reports the club activated a clause in his loan deal with Bournemouth before the January 31 deadline, keeping him tied to Blues until at least June 2026. That means Chelsea didn’t let their record signing leave the team for free.
Kepa hasn’t played for Chelsea since Frank Lampard's short spell in charge in 2023. After a rough loan at Real Madrid where he eventually lost his starting spot he was sent to Bournemouth last August.
Now, Chelsea have a choice: take a transfer fee if they sell him this summer, or bring him back to compete for the goalkeeper spot.
At the time of the move, there were whispers that Kepa had quietly signed a one-year extension with Chelsea before heading out, which would’ve kept him on the books through summer 2026. But according to MARCA, that extension wasn’t guaranteed it hinged on the club triggering a specific clause by January 31. Chelsea did just that.
This wasn’t just about paperwork. The Blues clearly had a reason. On one hand, the extension protects their investment. If they choose to sell Kepa this summer, they’re now in a stronger negotiating position.
But there’s another angle too one that’s more football-related. With Robert Sanchez’s form dipping and questions being asked about the No.1 spot, keeping the door open for Kepa suddenly feels like a smart move.
Let’s be honest, Sánchez hasn’t been convincing this season. There’s still nervousness to his game, and it’s started to show. That match against Man City? Rough. His expression shows it from the start, and the mistakes just kept piling up.
You don't need a post-match quote to know something wasn’t right. And while Maresca didn’t come out and blast him, the fact he was benched not long after said plenty.
It felt like the first clear sign the manager’s trust was starting to slip. A week later, the Spaniard was benched for the match against West Ham.
It’s not just a matter of eye tests either the stats paint a concerning picture. Sanchez has committed five errors leading directly to goals in the Premier League this season, more than any other player in the division.
That’s a brutal stat for any goalkeeper. In contrast, Kepa has made just one such mistake. And beyond that, he’s quietly been one of the league’s most efficient shot-stoppers.
At Bournemouth, Kepa’s quietly gone about his business. He’s played 17 league games and let in 21 goals not bad at all when you consider the number and quality of shots he’s had to deal with. In fact, that’s three fewer than expected.
He’s actually got the best save percentage in the whole Premier League right now, which is pretty impressive, especially when you think about how leaky Bournemouth’s backline can be at times simply put, he’s been dependable. He hasn’t made headlines, but he’s done his job.
Chelsea were reportedly exploring the idea of signing Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel during the January window.
That move didn’t materialize, and instead, the club kept faith with Sanchez and backup Filip Jorgensen. However, that interest alone says something. There’s clearly an open competition brewing for the No.1 shirt next season.
On top of that, the Blues are preparing to welcome 19-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders in June. The teenager is highly rated and will arrive in a deal worth around £17 million. But while he’s one for the future, he’s unlikely to walk straight into the starting XI.
This brings the focus back to Kepa. Despite the ups and downs of his Chelsea career ranging from the infamous Carabao Cup substitution refusal to his inconsistencies under multiple managers he’s still only 29. For a goalkeeper, that’s not old.
Many of the best in the world peak well into their 30s. If he’s finally settled and confident again, there's no reason he couldn’t challenge for the starting role next season.
His situation is also a reflection of how fast things can change in football. Just a year ago, many wrote him off completely. But after few games at Bournemouth and with Sanchez slipping up, that door’s been cracked open again.
If Chelsea really want to compete on all fronts next season both in the league and in Europe they’ll need solid, dependable options in every position. And that includes someone they can actually trust in goal.
For now, nothing is guaranteed. Kepa is still on loan. Sanchez is still the official No.1. Penders is still adjusting to the idea of moving to one of England’s biggest clubs. But Chelsea choose to quietly lock in Kepa’s contract says something.
Chelsea clearly aren’t done with Kepa yet and maybe, deep down, he’s not done with them either.
Whether he comes back to fight for his place or gets sold for a decent fee, one thing’s clear: his time at Stamford Bridge isn’t finished. That story’s still continue.