Real Madrid are considering a move to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga on a free transfer next summer as a replacement for Andriy Lunin.
According to Defensa Central, Real Madrid are considering signing Kepa Arrizabalaga on a Bosman move next summer as a replacement for Andriy Lunin. The latter could also leave on a free transfer, with the Chelsea man not in his club’s plans ahead of the new campaign.
Real Madrid want Kepa Arrizabalaga on a free transfer
Real Madrid are still not sure about Andriy Lunin’s long-term future, with the Ukranian goalkeeper into the final year of his deal at the Santiago Bernabeu. He was expected to leave the club this summer but sat on the bench for their opening game, with Thibaut Courtois back in favour under Carlo Ancelotti following his return from injury.
Real Madrid explored the idea of a swap deal with Chelsea for Kepa Arrizabalaga earlier this summer. The Spaniard spent the season at the Bernabeu on loan following Courtois’s injury last summer, although it was Lunin who usurped the Chelsea keeper’s place in the second half of last season.
Real Madrid are not sure about Lunin’s future, as they are now expecting the Ukrainian to leave on a free transfer next summer. As a response, they are open to bringing Kepa on a Bosman move, with the Spaniard’s contract at Chelsea ending next summer.
With Kepa Arrizabalaga no longer in Chelsea’s plans for the current season, he might move on this summer, although there are no realistic suitors to pay what may be required to sign him on a permanent deal. Hence, a loan move could be on the cards, which might be complicated as the Blues will not want to lose him for nothing in 2025.
Kepa’s situation a bit complex
Kepa Arrizabalaga not being in Chelsea’s plans will push the club to find a permanent solution for the 29-year-old outcast. Bournemouth are keen on a loan move, but that would require the Spaniard to sign a contract extension, which could see the Blues demanding a transfer fee next summer.
Hence, the situation is complex for Kepa and Chelsea. Should the 29-year-old sign an extension, Real Madrid might have to pay a certain fee to sign him next summer or even this one, which would cast doubts on whether they would be willing to do so for a player clearly seen as a deputy to Courtois.
