Thomas Tuchel is reportedly interested in signing Kepa Arrizabalaga for Bayern Munich, as the team faces a shortage of goalkeeping options due to Manuel Neuer's prolonged absence.

Bayern Munich, the reigning Bundesliga champions, find themselves in a predicament with their goalkeeping resources, as Sven Ulreich stands as their lone available keeper.

The departure of Yann Sommer to Inter Milan and the uncertainty surrounding Neuer, who is said to be out of action for several more weeks due to a leg injury sustained during a ski trip in December, have prompted the club to seek a new goalkeeper.

Reports from Sport1 indicate that Tuchel has communicated his desire to secure Kepa from Chelsea.

Talks have reportedly begun with both the player's representatives and the Premier League club.

While Tuchel's preference at Chelsea was Edouard Mendy, he believes that Kepa could provide healthy competition for Ulreich at the Allianz Arena.

Bayern's intention is to initially bring in Kepa on a loan arrangement, coupled with an option to make the deal permanent.

Kepa, who still has two years left on his contract with Chelsea, appears open to the prospect of a change, especially considering the competition he faces from Robert Sanchez, who was acquired from Brighton in a £25 million ($32 million) deal.

While Kepa's stint at Chelsea began with a then-club-record transfer fee of £71 million ($91 million) from Athletic Bilbao in 2018, his performance as a consistent goalkeeper has fallen short of expectations.

It remains to be seen if Chelsea will agree to Bayern's proposed loan with a buy-option deal.