Andriy Lunin was one of the heroes for Real Madrid last season but with Courtois back on his feet, there’s a major possibility that the 25-year-old is going to ply his trade in the Premier League next season.
The keeper has been on Madrid’s books since 2018 and while he wants to remain at the Bernabeu, Lunin has also made it clear that he wants to play more regularly.
“Obviously [I want to stay]. But well, the only thing I can say is that everything went well with Madrid and now it’s in Madrid’s hands. That’s what I can say about my future,” the Ukrainian international has said in a recent interview.
“I want to play everything and be number 1, but that’s normal because it’s what all the players want.”
His fine performances last season, especially in Europe have attracted a lot of suitors with clubs like Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and now Chelsea interested in bringing the Real Madrid man on board.
Which one of the 4 English teams will be able to land Andriy Lunin?
Manchester City and Arsenal have been two primary suitors for Andriy Lunin and if Ederson does secure a move to the Saudi Pro League then City will definitely be the favourites to land the keeper.
However, Ederson’s move to Al Nassr has collapsed and unless he leaves soon enough, Lunin will not want to move to the Etihad.
A transfer to Arsenal also looks far-fetched because the club has now brought David Raya on board permanently. Aaron Ramsdale looks all set to leave and if someone like Ramsdale is not ready to be the backup then a fresh UCL winner won’t even consider it.
Much like Ederson, Liverpool’s Alisson Becker has also been linked with a move to the Pro League in Saudi Arabia and Arne Slot is said to be looking at Andriy Lunin as the long-term replacement.
Kepa is going to leave Chelsea which has made the Blues the latest entrant in this Lunin transfer race. However, Fabrizio Romano has made it clear that Chelsea are yet to make any sort of formal approach for the 25-year-old.
He has revealed: “Real Madrid have not received any approach from Chelsea for Andriy Lunin so far.
“The only topic discussed is about Kepa who’s giving total priority to Real Madrid… in case Lunin leaves. Kepa received formal proposal from Al Ittihad but still waiting for Real Madrid.”
Kepa is eager to go back to Real Madrid and if he holds onto this demand then there’s a chance the London side could use the 29-year-old in a swap deal to bring Andriy Lunin to the Bridge.
As things stand, Arsenal seem to be at the bottom of the pecking order because the Gunners have a stable and set number one and if Andriy Lunin wants to remain a benchwarmer, he would much rather be at Real Madrid next season.
Apart from Arsenal, all the other teams have an equal chance of signing the keeper. Now, it’s just the waiting game to see which one of them loses their current keeper the fastest.
Will and should Real Madrid try to hold onto the keeper?
Last season, Andriy Lunin featured in 31 games for the Los Blancos and was the No. 1 for most of the campaign. However, now that Thibaut Courtois is back to full fitness, there’s no need to hold onto Lunin.
Yes, Ancelotti will want him as the backup to Courtois because the Ukrainian international is a fine keeper however, with just one more year remaining in his current contract, if one of the interested clubs is willing to pay around €25-30 million then Madrid will happily cash in on him.
Also, if Real Madrid can bring back Kepa Arrizabalaga to the Bernabeu there will be no need to keep Andriy Lunin in their books beyond the summer.
