Real Madrid will unlikely launch the offensive to permanently sign Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea in the 2024 summer transfer window.
According to a report by ESPN, Kepa Arrizabalaga might not complete a permanent move to Real Madrid in the 2024 summer transfer window. With Andriy Lunin usurping the Spanish shot-stopper in most of the recent games, a deal with Chelsea at the end of the 2023/24 season appears unlikely.
Kepa Arrizabalaga at Chelsea: The Story So Far
Kepa Arrizabalaga was one of the most highly-rated goalkeepers in the world when he joined Chelsea. Previously a target for Real Madrid in January 2019, the 29-year-old had many clubs chasing him in the summer transfer window of 2019. But Chelsea triggered a release clause worth €80 million in his Athletic Club contract to secure his services.
The Spaniard began his stint with Chelsea well. But his performance levels steadily dropped before Edouard Mendy replaced him under the tutelage of Thomas Tuchel. However, Kepa’s stock rose again last season as he enjoyed a solid spell under Graham Potter and Frank Lampard.
The Spanish international was seemingly set to be Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper this season under Mauricio Pochettino. But Real Madrid came calling in the final weeks of the summer transfer window. That turned Kepa’s head, and he completed a loan move until the end of the 2023/24 season.
Will Real Madrid Permanently Sign Kepa Arrizabalaga?
Kepa Arrizabalaga did not take long to settle down at Real Madrid and quickly became the first-choice goalkeeper. That compelled Los Blancos to consider a permanent deal for the 29-year-old shot-stopper. However, a spell on the sidelines due to a muscle injury has hampered his chances of moving to the Bernabeu again next year.
Andriy Lunin stepped up in Kepa’s absence and has started most games since the Spaniard regained fitness. That has changed Real Madrid’s stance, with the report by ESPN claiming they might not complete a permanent deal for the Chelsea loanee. That also affects Chelsea’s prospects for the 2024 summer transfer window.
But a move to Athletic Club might be on the cards, with Chelsea open to dealing with the Basque outfit. Meanwhile, the ESPN report has not completely ruled out a summer move. So, it will be interesting to see what the future has in store for the 29-year-old.
