Bournemouth set to make another statement signing

AFC Bournemouth’s transfer business has gone under the radar somewhat so far this summer. The likes of Enes Unal and Luis Sinisterra who were both on loan at the club last season have signed permanent deals and Daniel Jebbison arrived from Sheffield United for next to nothing. Their most exciting signings have been Dean Huijsen from Juventus, Julian Araujo from Barcelona and Evanilson from Porto.

They now look set to be acquiring a new goalkeeper too, with Kepa Arrizabalaga undergoing his medical to join on loan from Chelsea. Kepa spent last year on loan at Real Madrid, but an injury kept him out for much of the season.

🚨🍒 EXCL: Kepa to Bournemouth, deal done and medical tests ongoing now at #AFCB ground!

Kepa signs one more year of contract at Chelsea now valid until June 2026 and joins Bournemouth on loan until July.

Agreement done between all parties. pic.twitter.com/IdH8eIBoPR

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 27, 2024

But why do Bournemouth need a new keeper? Well their number two, Mark Travers looks like he will be leaving in search of regular game time, most likely to the Championship where he spent the first half of last season on loan. Their third choice keeper, Alex Paulsen, who was signed this summer as well, looks as if he will become the number one in a few years, but is currently out on loan in his native New Zealand.

That leaves the club captain Neto as the only goalkeeper. His shot stopping ability has never been in doubt and he has already made a number of top class saves so far this season, however for the last year many fans have raised questions about how he commands his box and the number of mistakes he makes. Last season Bournemouth dropped a number of points due to goalkeeping errors, and I’m sure Andoni Iraola has noticed that.

I’m not sure then, as to why the Bournemouth boss is so keen on Kepa, as he too has been known for his errors. The two of them spent two years in the first team together at Athletic Club so Iraola certainly knows Kepa’s ability, but I’m not sure if he is the solution to Bournemouth’s goalkeeping question.

There was always the possibility that Aaron Ramsdale would return to the club, but Bournemouth have decided to steer clear of Arsenal players this summer because of the ridiculous price tags being put on their players like Eddie Nketiah.

It is expected that there will be more movement around Bournemouth in the last few days of the transfer window with both incomings and outgoings and Iraola looks to build a squad that is capable of challenging for Europe.