Chelsea outcast Kepa Arrizabalaga is reportedly ready to wait for an approach from Real Madrid as he waits to sort out his future.
According to a report by Spanish outlet MARCA, Kepa Arrizabalaga is keen on returning to Real Madrid in the summer transfer window. The 29-year-old does not have a long-term future at Chelsea. While the Merengues are open to launching the offensive to re-sign the out-of-favour goalkeeper, they will only submit an offer if Andriy Lunin departs from the Santiago Bernabeu.
Kepa Arrizabalaga and his rollercoaster of a career
Kepa Arrizabalaga has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Chelsea from Athletic Club in a big-money move in August 2018. A native of Ondarroa, he spent his formative years with Athletic Club before graduating from the fabled youth division at the Basque outfit a decade ago.
The 29-year-old was one of the best young goalkeepers in La Liga during his spell with Athletic Club. However, the Spaniard blew hot and cold at Chelsea in the half a decade with the first-team squad. Meanwhile, Kepa’s season-long loan move to Real Madrid last summer came out of nowhere, with Los Blancos securing his services after Thibaut Courtois picked up a long-term knee injury.
The Spanish goalkeeper was impressive in his 20 outings for Real Madrid, keeping nine clean sheets and conceding 18 goals. However, an untimely injury spoilt Kepa’s prospects, with Andriy Lunin stepping up and nailing his spot before Courtois’s return. That has left the former Athletic Club goalkeeper’s future up in the air as he returns to Chelsea.
What next?
The Blues are ready to cash in on Kepa Arrizabalaga in the summer transfer window. However, a return to Real Madrid is uncertain, with Los Blancos keen on tying Lunin to a new contract ahead of the 2024/25 season. But the Ukrainian international is mulling over leaving Real Madrid, with Premier League clubs vying for his signature.
Amid uncertainties surrounding Andriy Lunin’s long-term future, it behoves the Merengues to keep their options open. So, Kepa is an option for Real Madrid, with the 29-year-old Chelsea outcast waiting for an approach from Los Blancos before sorting out his future.
A move for Kepa depends on Lunin’s future at the Santiago Bernabeu. It will be interesting to see if the Spaniard becomes a target for Real Madrid, with Chelsea eager to part ways with him in the summer transfer window.
