'Bournemouth to sign Kepa permenantly' - Fans wowed by goalkeeper's 'redemption'

03/31/2025 11:08 AM

Bournemouth fans are ready for Kepa Arrizabalaga’s loan move to be made permanent despite losing to Man City in the FA Cup quarterfinals.

Chelsea supporters were happy to see the back of the Spanish goalkeeper last summer, having once cost the Blues a world-record £71million to sign him from Athletic Bilbao in August 2018 [BBC Sport].

The 30-year-old struggled to cement his spot at Stamford Bridge under multiple managers, with Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen and Djordje Petrovic all signed over the last few seasons.

However, Kepa finally looks to have made a breakthrough at the Vitality Stadium, becoming an important part of Andoni Iraola’s plans at Bournemouth, and impressing fans across the country.

Kepa Arrizabalaga nearly an FA Cup hero against Man City

Kepa nearly put his name up in lights on Sunday, 30 March, as the Cherries went toe-to-toe with Pep Guardiola‘s struggling Man City side, but eventually came out the other side as the losers.

Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush, who scored following a controversial moment, did just enough to scrape a victory and send the Citizens through to the semi-finals at Wembley Stadium.

The clash did not come without its drama, though, with Kepa stepping up at a vital moment to thwart Haaland’s penalty kick, with Evanilson then able to take advantage by scoring the opener.

Had Guardiola not made an important change at half-time, it could have been Iraola’s team through to the next round of the FA Cup, but it was not to be for the in-form goalkeeper, who himself might have felt he could have done better for Marmoush’s winner.

Bournemouth supporters want Kepa Arrizabalaga after Vitality Stadium showing

While the Spaniard has kept just five clean sheets in 22 appearances for Bournemouth, he has an ability to create unforgettable moments, whether they be positive or negative, as fans have experienced.

Chelsea supporters will always remember his fallout with Maurizio Sarri during the EFL Cup final in 2019, and that has likely affected his level of confidence moving forward at Stamford Bridge.

His time on the coast has been extremely beneficial, and while he was unable to deny Haaland a second time or Marmoush, fans at the Vitality Stadium have made their feelings clear ahead of the summer transfer window opening.

Multiple supporters want the Cherries to “sign him permanently”, while another praised the shot-stopper for his “redemption arc” following so many negative days in London.

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