The sensational Chelsea and Real Madrid swap deal that could save both clubs millions

Reports in Spain say Real Madrid are open to doing a swap deal with Chelsea that would sensationally see Kepa Arrizabalaga move to the Spanish capital permanently, while Ukrainian Andriy Lunin moves the other way.

Both goalkeepers are not satisfied with their current roles at their respective clubs. Kepa has made it clear he wants to move away from Stamford and is happy to play second fiddle at the Bernabéu. Lunin was thought to be close to signing a long-term deal in the Spanish capital, but with Los Blancos unable to offer him any guarantees over first-team football, a move is being considered.

If a swap can be agreed, it would be a shrewd and sensational move for all parties. If Real are to allow Lunin to leave, they will bring in a replacement, with Kepa their first choice to fill that role as Courtois’ understudy after his loan spell last season.

AS reports Chelsea have been considering a move for Lunin for a number of weeks but are not prepared to meet Real’s €30 million asking price. One alternative currently being discussed is a swap deal that would see Lunin arrive in West London with Kepa returning to Spain on a permanent basis. 3addedminutes has been told Kepa is desperate to return to Madrid and is prepared to wait and see if it works out in some way so he can return to the Spanish capital.

For Chelsea, they need to get his high salary off the wage bill at all costs. It’s clear they would prefer a younger goalkeeper who is comfortable with the ball at his feet, and Lunin demonstrated he was comfortable with that when he helped Real Madrid reach the Champions League final last season but was reported to be upset he was not allowed to play in the final.

The Ukrainian will relish the opportunity to play in the Premier League and feels he has what it takes to make the number-one position his own. Financially, given Chelsea's new wage structure, there is no chance he gets anything close to the £250k-a-week wages that Kepa is reportedly on. For Kepa, he gets to end his time at the Blues after being relegated to second choice by Edouard Mendy as Chelsea won the Champions League before forcing a move to Madrid at the dawn of last season.

Both teams stand to benefit, with Real Madrid not needing to spend a lot of money on a back-up goalkeeper as they get someone who really wants to be at the club. The transfer market is volatile at this stage, and a lot of selling clubs are demanding huge fees, but it is rare to see two players who would happily swap positions like the situation Kepa and Lunin find themselves in at the moment. There is no point in keeping an unhappy player in a squad, as it can disrupt the team. If you can move them on and save money with their replacement, all the better.