Kepa Arrizabalaga has informed Bayern Munich he will join Real Madrid after agreeing a loan move to replace Thibaut Courtois.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed an imminent agreement between Real Madrid and Chelsea for Kepa Arrizabalaga on a loan move. The Spanish keeper will join without any buy option or obligation and has already informed suitors Bayern Munich of his decision.
There was a sudden spike of interest in Kepa Arrizabalaga over the past few days as two European heavyweights monitored the Spaniard’s situation. Chelsea had already signed Robert Sanchez from Brighton. The two compatriots were to fight for a place under Mauricio Pochettino.
Instead, the growing interest from Bayern Munich and Real Madrid may have turned his head and convinced him to leave Chelsea for a new challenge. The German side were keen to add a new goalkeeper before the season began as they have a dire need to bring in a replacement for Yann Sommer.
Manuel Neuer remains sidelined for a considerable period after suffering a setback in his recovery from a severe injury. Thomas Tuchel had considered Kepa his ideal choice as talks advanced talks between all parties.
Kepa to Real Madrid, here we go! Loan deal verbally agreed between Real and Chelsea, no obligation/permanent move for Spanish GK 🚨⚪️ #RealMadrid
Kepa immediately said yes to Real after talks with Bayern over the last 3/4 days.
He already said goodbye, ready to travel. pic.twitter.com/i6y7mk8nma
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 12, 2023
Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois suffered a season-ending ACL injury, which put the club back into the market for a new goalkeeper. They earmarked Kepa for the role and targeted David De Gea on a free transfer.
Real Madrid have decided on Kepa as their ideal choice to replace Courtois, and the keeper will join from Chelsea on a season-long loan move. The agreement will not have any buy option or obligation clause, as the Spaniard will likely return to London next summer.
With the Germans also waiting on an answer, Kepa has reportedly informed them of his decision to join Real Madrid. Now, Bayern might consider talking to De Gea to become their new No.1 and provide competition for Neuer when he returns.
Real Madrid were keen on Kepa years ago when he was with Atheltic Bilbao. He moved to Chelsea in a record-breaking €80 million deal for a goalkeeper, although he is yet to convince anyone of his actual credentials. He was about to start the season as Mauricio Pochettino’s No.1, but the offer from Real Madrid proved too tempting for him to turn down.
