Still injured, Manuel Neuer is not expected to return to competition before 2024, according to several German media outlets. This has prompted Bayern Munich to search for a new goalkeeper. The Bavarians have reportedly targeted Chelsea’s goalkeeper, Kepa, according to The Sky Sport.
Bayern Munich is certainly facing a goalkeeper shortage. Yann Sommer has left the club for Inter Milan, while Alexander Nübel has been loaned to Stuttgart. On the other hand, uncertainty still surrounds Manuel Neuer. Seriously injured with a fractured right leg during a ski touring outing in December, the goalkeeper recently underwent another surgical procedure this week to remove metal plates. This surgery was planned, as stated by the club.
As a result, the German international won’t be back on the field before 2024, according to several media outlets, including Bild. Aware of the situation, Bayern is now actively searching for a new goalkeeper this summer. Names like Yassine Bounou (Sevilla), David De Gea (free agent), and David Raya (Brentford) have been mentioned. However, according to Sky Sport, Thomas Tuchel places special importance on another player: Kepa Arrizabalaga (28) from Chelsea.
This goalkeeper, who holds the record for the most expensive transfer in football history (acquired by the Blues in 2018 from Bilbao for €80 million), is reportedly the subject of discussions between Bayern Munich officials and those of Chelsea. The Bavarian club is said to be interested in acquiring Kepa through a loan with an option to buy. If the deal goes through, Kepa and Tuchel will reunite after their time together at Chelsea. At the time, the German coach wasn’t a big fan of the Spanish goalkeeper, preferring Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
