Premier League club chase Super Eagles goalkeeper snubbed by Eric Chelle as replacement for Chelsea star
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Photo Credits: Instagram/Making of Champions

Premier League club chase Super Eagles goalkeeper snubbed by Eric Chelle as replacement for Chelsea star

David Ben 08:34 - 19.03.2025

Kepa Arrizabalaga could leave Bournemouth at the end of the season with a potential replacement lined up.

The summer transfer window may still be months away, but Bournemouth are already making moves to secure a new number one, with Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye emerging as a top target, Pulse Sports can report.

With Kepa Arrizabalaga’s loan spell from Chelsea set to expire at the end of the season, the Cherries are evaluating their options, and Okoye has caught the eye of Tiago Pinto, the former Roma sporting director, who is now leading Bournemouth’s transfer strategy.

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Maduka Okoye
Maduka Okoye | Imago

According to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari, who broke the news on Sportitalia Mercato, the Premier League club is considering Okoye as a potential replacement for Kepa, although discussions are still at an early stage with no formal negotiations yet.

Okoye’s growing reputation in Italy

Maduka Okoye
Maduka Okoye of Udinese | Credit: IMAGO

The Udinese shot-stopper has been quietly making a name for himself in Serie A, and despite facing stiff competition, he has impressed with his shot-stopping abilities and composure.

Okoye, who grew up idolising Brazilian legend Dida, previously revealed in an interview with The Italian Football Podcast that he has studied some of the best goalkeepers in the world.

"Best goalkeeper in the world today? Difficult to say. I study Ter Stegen when it comes to build-up play, Ederson for performance, and Courtois for saves," he said.

Snubbed by Eric Chelle for Super Eagles World Cup qualifiers

New Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle during his unveiling in Abuja.
Eric Chelle was appointed Super Eagles coach in January 2025. | Credit: X(@NFF)

Despite his growing reputation in Italy, Okoye was left out of Nigeria’s squad for their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda, following his return from injury.

New Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle opted instead for Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), and Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria).

For now, Okoye remains focused on his club career, and with Bournemouth’s interest heating up, a return to the Premier League could provide the perfect platform for him to prove his doubters wrong.