Chelsea is poised to make a surprising acquisition in the upcoming June 2024 transfer window, as the club gears up for the 2024/2025 football season.
After weeks of speculation surrounding Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, Chelsea has emerged as the frontrunner to sign the Ukrainian shot-stopper this summer. Various Premier League clubs have expressed interest in Lunin, but it appears Chelsea is leading the race for his signature.
The 25-year-old Lunin, who recently joined Jorge Mendes’ agency Polaris Sport in April, is reportedly being encouraged by his agent to seek a new challenge away from Madrid. Renowned journalist Romain Molina has indicated that Mendes is pushing for Lunin’s departure from Madrid, attracting attention from top-tier clubs, with Chelsea particularly keen on the transfer.
Chelsea’s interest in Lunin aligns with their goal of making Robert Sanchez their primary goalkeeper. Despite losing his place in the Real Madrid team following Thibaut Courtois’ return, Lunin has expressed a desire to stay in Madrid. In a recent interview with Marca, he stated, “Obviously, I want to stay.” However, his future remains uncertain as a compelling offer could persuade him to leave.
Lunin’s performances last season were noteworthy, particularly in the UEFA Champions League, where he played a pivotal role in Madrid reaching the finals during Courtois’ injury absence.
If Chelsea successfully signs Lunin, there is speculation that their current goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga could return to Real Madrid. Kepa, who spent last season on loan at Madrid as a temporary replacement for Courtois, ended up being Lunin’s backup. Reports suggest that Kepa has rejected lucrative offers from the Saudi Arabian league, preferring a permanent move to Real Madrid, even if it means being the second-choice goalkeeper.
With the June 2024 transfer window approaching, Chelsea’s pursuit of Andriy Lunin adds an intriguing twist to their preparations for the upcoming season.