Real Madrid are reportedly weighing up an offer for Kepa Arrizabalaga, who could be on his way out of Chelsea in the summer.
According to a report by Daily Star, Kepa Arrizabalaga is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. The Spanish heavyweights are considering making an offer for the Chelsea goalkeeper in the summer transfer window, with the Blues already scouring for replacements for the Spaniard.
Kepa Arrizabalaga joined Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao in the summer of 2018 when he became the world’s most expensive goalkeeper. Signed for a staggering €80 million, the Spaniard blew hot and cold in his maiden campaign at Stamford Bridge, but made important contributions as the Blues won the UEFA Europa League last term.
Kepa then started the current season strongly, but soon faded, putting up abysmal numbers on the save percentage front while also struggling with the ball at his feet. He subsequently lost his spot to Willy Caballero, only returning to the fore last week. However, his situation at Chelsea has given way to speculation over his future, with Real Madrid now interested in him.
Real Madrid have been long-term admirers of Kepa and were keen on signing him before Thibaut Courtois made his way to the Bernabeu from Chelsea in the summer of 2018. Courtois joined Real Madrid and Kepa subsequently made his way to Chelsea in close succession.
The continued interest from Real Madrid, though, is interesting, considering Courtois has been one of the best goalkeepers in the world this season, keeping the most clean sheets so far in La Liga. Kepa is unlikely to become first-choice for Los Blancos considering Courtois’s form and might only be good enough to be the Belgian’s deputy, once Alphonse Areola returns to PSG.
Real Madrid, though, also have Andriy Lunin in the pipeline, with the Ukrainian goalkeeper touted to be one of the most promising goalkeepers in the world. However, how Real Madrid utilise Kepa might be of no concern to Chelsea, who are ready to cut their losses on the 25-year-old and cash in on him in the summer.
Conversely, Chelsea are also looking for potential replacements for the Spanish international already. Manchester United loanee Dean Henderson has been heavily linked with a summer switch.
The latest name to be linked, though, is a surprise candidate, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen emerging on the Blues’ radar. As for Real Madrid, it will be interesting to see if they are serious about their interest in Kepa, who Chelsea are ready to part ways with in the summer.
For now, it looks like a bid from Real Madrid could be in the offing when the summer transfer window opens. Till then, Kepa would be hoping to keep hold of his spot in the side, having performed well since his return to the side last week.