Arsenal hold the key in huge transfer domino involving Chelsea and Real Madrid

Arsenal's apparent interest in Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin could ease a transfer headache for Chelsea this summer.

Lunin, 26, is reportedly of interest to the Gunners as they look to replace Aaron Ramsdale ahead of a potential exit for the England international. Despite the Ukrainian nightmare game for his country in their Euro 2024 opener against Romania, the shot-stopper deputised admirably for the injured Thibaut Courtois last season.

He made 31 appearances across all competitions and conceded just 32 goals, keeping 12 clean sheets en route to the La Liga title and Champions League final. But with Courtois returning in time to play at Wembley against Borussia Dortmund, Lunin's relationship with Carlo Ancelotti is said to have taken a turn for the worse.

Revelo now reports that Madrid would seek to keep Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea for another season should Lunin leave. The former Spain international has a single season remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge.

Therefore, any temporary move next year would mean acknowledging defeat in trying to recoup any of the £71 million paid in the summer of 2018. But another loan fee from Madrid, plus the Spanish club paying all his wages again, could be their best bet.

While that situation may well suit Chelsea, it is far from a foregone conclusion that Lunin will depart. Madrid are seemingly working on the assumption that he is staying put, and the player himself made clear that he would like to remain when asked after the Romania game, but prefaced that by stating: "In life, you never know."

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Unlike Chelsea, Madrid would not be open to their goalkeeper leaving on loan. Instead, a fair offer is something the reports suggest Madrid would consider. Atletico are named as one club interested, while attention from the Premier League is also acknowledged.