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According to AS, Real Madrid have given the green light to Chelsea to complete a swap deal between Andriy Lunin and Kepa Arrizabalaga. Los Merengues, however, have made their stance clear that they want extra money in the deal.
Lunin has made his demands transparent, he wants more minutes, which seems unlikely with Thibaut Courtois back to full fitness. The 2023-24 season could be taken as an example. With Courtois injured, Lunin deputized brilliantly and was the hero of the UEFA Champions League until the final.
However, the Belgian returned to full fitness and was restored to the first XI for the final. Hence, Lunin is likely to be back to being the backup for Courtois this season.
The Ukrainian has shown tremendous professionalism and is reportedly training his heart out under Carlo Ancelotti. Real Madrid, though, are not expected to fulfill his demand of getting more minutes.
Chelsea have been interested in Lunin and are willing to make a bid. They are expected to offer Kepa, who spent the last season with Los Blancos on loan, in the swap deal.
Kepa is also the Madrid giants' first choice to be the back-up goalkeeper and the Spaniard is ready to take up the role. However, Lunin is 25 and Kepa is 29 and they are in different stages of their respective careers. As a result, Los Merengues want a transfer fee included in the deal for Lunin.
Andriy Lunin's Real Madrid career by the numbers as Chelsea move seems likely
Andriy Lunin joined Real Madrid back in 2018 and has so far made 48 appearances for the club, keeping 16 clean sheets. Last season, he made 31 appearances across all competitions, keeping 12 clean sheets.
He showed his quality last season, resulting in several European giants, including Chelsea, taking interest in the player. Lunin's current deal with Los Blancos expires at the end of the 2024-25 season.
The 25-year-old has an estimated market value of €25 million. As per reports, he could be heading to Stamford Bridge, where Robert Sanchez and Dorde Petrovic are the current two leading goalkeepers.
