Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin looks set to leave the club as early as this summer. The Ukrainian shot-stopper has publicly hinted that he wants to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu to fight for a starting spot, but it seems a different story is unfolding behind closed doors.
Lunin filled in admirably for Thibaut Courtois following the first-choice goalkeeper’s anterior cruciate ligament tear at the start of the 2023-24 season. He became a hero for Madrid in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final shoot-out victory, saving penalties from Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic.
However, once Courtois recovered, Lunin found himself back on the bench, losing his starting role despite his impressive performances.
Lunin is aiming to secure a starting goalkeeping spot, something Real Madrid cannot offer him, which is why he has not signed a contract extension and is open to leaving the club. According to a report by BRANDReal Madrid have set their asking price at 30 million euros ($32.5 million) and are willing to facilitate his departure this summer.
The 25-year-old goalkeeper is attracting interest from the Premier League, with Arsenal and Liverpool keen to secure his services. Chelsea, who are reportedly looking for a new goalkeeper to compete with Robert Sanchez for the number one spot, have also entered the race and consider Lunin their top option.
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The signing of a new goalkeeper has raised uncertainty over the future of Djordje Petrovic, who impressed under Mauricio Pochettino last season.
If Lunin is sold, Real Madrid plan to sign Chelsea outcast Kepa as his replacement. The 29-year-old Spaniard, who rejected a recent offer from Saudi Professional League side Al Ittihad, spent last season on loan at the Santiago Bernabeu and is content to play second fiddle to Courtois, fuelling rumours of a potential swap deal.
