Real Madrid will look to execute a loan-to-buy deal to sign Chelsea goalkeeping mainstay Kepa Arrizabalaga this summer.
According to reputed journalist Nizaar Kinsella, Kepa Arrizabalaga is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. The Merengues are desperately scouring the market for a cover for Thibaut Courtois. And they will look to sign the Chelsea goalkeeper in a loan-to-buy deal in the ongoing transfer window.
Interestingly, Kepa was a top target for Real Madrid before they signed Thibaut Courtois. And they nearly secured his services in January 2018 in a deal worth €20 million. But a move did not materialise, and the Spaniard left Athletic Club to join Chelsea in a deal worth €80 million in August 2018.
Since then, the 28-year-old has endured a rollercoaster ride at Chelsea. But he was a mainstay between the sticks last season, usurping Edouard Mendy. Meanwhile, the player has turned out 163 times thus far for Chelsea, keeping 59 clean sheets. But Kepa’s Chelsea future is uncertain, with recent reports linking him with a possible departure.
Bayern Munich recently opened talks to sign the Spanish international after news emerged that Manuel Neuer’s injury will keep him on the sidelines for several more months. And reports this week have claimed that Chelsea might be open to parting ways with him this summer. Kepa’s name has now emerged on Real Madrid’s wishlist.
Real Madrid will be without Thibaut Courtois for most of the 2023/24 season. The Belgian shot-stopper has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament, which will keep him sidelined for several months. So the Merengues have dipped their toes in the market for a goalkeeper, with many names emerging on their radar.
Reports in the last 18 hours have conjured up names like David de Gea, Yassine Bounou, and Giorgi Mamardashvili. And Kepa also features on Real Madrid’s wishlist, with Los Blancos plotting a loan-to-buy deal. But it is unclear if Chelsea will be open to sanctioning a loan deal for the Spanish international.
Also Read: Real Madrid 2023/24 La Liga Season Preview
They will unlikely recoup anything close to the €80 million they paid to secure Kepa’s services half a decade ago. And it will be interesting to see if the Spaniard moves to Real Madrid five years after a deal collapsed.
