Kepa Arrizabalaga hints at Bournemouth stay amid contract talks – “We’ll have meetings and decide”

Kepa Arrizabalaga has offered an update on his future as his loan spell at Bournemouth nears its conclusion. The Spanish goalkeeper, currently on loan from Chelsea, has been a key figure for Andoni Iraola’s side this season.

In an interview with EFE, Kepa shared that discussions about what comes next will take place soon. His comments were relayed by La Razón, who noted that a decision on whether he remains with the Cherries could be made within weeks.

"We’re eight games away from the end of the season. We’re doing very well and we’re going to try to finish in the best possible way, and we’ll see. In the coming weeks, we’ll have meetings and decide," Kepa stated.

The 30-year-old, who joined Bournemouth last summer, has so far kept six clean sheets while conceding 37 goals in 28 appearances. Reflecting on his time at the club, he expressed satisfaction with his current situation:
"The truth is, I’m happy with how the season is going, with how I’m feeling on the pitch, and enjoying it, which is something I was looking for and very important."

Although still under contract with Chelsea until 2026, a permanent move could be on the cards if the two Premier League clubs can strike a deal. Kepa’s words suggest he would be open to staying at Bournemouth beyond this season.

In addition to Kepa, teenage defender Dean Huijsen also made the move to Bournemouth last summer and has turned heads with his performances. The 19-year-old recently earned his first call-up to the Spanish national team, and reports have since linked him with a summer switch to Real Madrid.

Kepa believes his young teammate is handling the transfer speculation with maturity:
"I think there’s a lot of noise around him, but I think he’s taking it calmly, which is what he is, a pretty quiet guy," he said.
"Highlighting his personality. At 19, he’s having no problem playing in the Premier League at the highest level; he made his debut for the national team and did so as if he were playing with his friends."

He praised Huijsen’s mental strength and poise under pressure, adding:
"It’s one of those characteristics that isn’t easy to find. He’s very good and he has to keep working because he has his whole future ahead of him."

Kepa, who spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, was asked whether Huijsen had inquired about life at the Spanish giants.
"We’ll leave that in the dressing room," he smiled.