Bayern Munich in talks with Chelsea to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 2: Kepa Arrizabalaga of Chelsea during the pre-season friendly match between Chelsea FC and Borussia Dortmund at Soldier Field on August 2, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)

Bayern Munich have opened talks to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, according to reports.

The Bundesliga champions have made the signing of a new goalkeeper one of top priorities for the remainder of the summer transfer window having sold Yann Sommer to Inter this week, while Manuel Neuer is still not close to returning after breaking his leg during a ski trip last December.

Bayern had held talks with Brentford for David Raya, but the Spaniard is now on the verge of joining Arsenal after Mikel Arteta's side agreed a £30m deal on Tuesday.

The German club are now searching for alternatives and according to Sport1, they have begun 'initial talks' with Chelsea over a deal for Kepa.

The report claims that Thomas Tuchel has personally recommended the Spaniard to Bayern's hierarchy following their time together at Chelsea.

Kepa Arrizabalaga embraces Thomas Tuchel, Manager of Chelsea after their sides victory in the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 19, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

During his time under Tuchel, Kepa lost his place as Chelsea's No.1 as the German favoured Edouard Mendy.

Following Mendy's departure to the Saudi Pro League this summer, Kepa is expected to start in goal for Chelsea's Premier League opener against Liverpool this Sunday.

However, he now faces competition for his spot in Mauricio Pochettino's side after Chelsea completed their £25m deal to sign Robert Sanchez from Brighton last week.

Kepa, who joined Chelsea in a £71.6m deal from Athletic Bilbao, has two years remaining on his deal worth around £190,000 a week.

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