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It has recently been reported that Premier League club Bournemouth wants to sign on-loan keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga on a permanent transfer at the end of the current season. Kepa, who moved to Bournemouth on a loan move from Chelsea, has played 25 games for this club in this season and has maintained 6 clean sheets. Apart from the clean sheets, he has been an important figure of the team which has had a good run of form in this season by being in the top half of the Premier League table and also getting through to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
It is understood that Chelsea will not have any problem with unloading the Spanish keeper at the end of his loan spell as he remains to be on their ‘exit’ list. This is prominent through the fact that he had also spent the last season on loan at Real Madrid after the Spanish giants signed him as a replacement for Thibaut Courtois, who had suffered a cruciate ligament tear which kept him out for the entire season. The only thing that Bournemouth will have to look into is the finances of the deal as they will have to agree on a decent amount to sign the 30-year old shot-stopper.
Bournemouth face a tricky tie against Man City in the FA Cup quarterfinal
Bournemouth and Manchester City are set to clash in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at the Vitality Stadium. Under the guidance of Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth have achieved significant milestones this season, including their first participation in European competitions and a strong FA Cup run. Their path to the quarter-finals saw them overcome Wolves in a dramatic penalty shootout. However, the Cherries face defensive challenges, with key players Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez suspended for this crucial tie. Marcos Senesi is set to return to the squad but may not be ready for a full 90 minutes, while Julian Araujo is nearing a comeback from a hamstring injury.
Historically, Manchester City have dominated this fixture, but Bournemouth secured a notable 2-1 victory in their Premier League encounter earlier this season. This result will give the Cherries confidence as they aim for their first-ever FA Cup semi-final berth.
