Kepa
Real Madrid are looking to make Kepa Arrizabalaga’s loan move permanent in a deal that would see Chelsea make a substantial loss on the goalkeeper.
Arrizabalaga joined Madrid in the summer on a season-long loan after regular Los Blancos shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois ruptured his ACL, ruling him out for the majority of the season.
He has been Carlo Ancelotti’s number one goalkeeper ever since, helping his new side to top spot in La Liga and a positive start in their Champions League campaign as they look to regain the trophy.
The move initially seemed strange on Chelsea’s behalf, with the Blues having to move quickly themselves to replace him, splashing out over £30million to sign Robert Sanchez from Brighton.
If Kepa Arrizabalaga was to move to Madrid on a permanent basis, it is reported by The Sun that the club wouldn’t be willing to pay more than £17.5million, meaning Chelsea would make more than a £50million loss after paying £71.6million for his services five years ago.
Mail Sport reported that the player has made it clear he was keen to stay at Madrid for longer than this season after a positive start to life in the Spanish capital.
He has played every league game for the club, and spoke last week about his enjoyment at playing back in his home country.
It is reported that Madrid will offer back-up goalkeeper Andriy Lunin as part exchange to help push the deal through.
The 29-year-old said: ‘I’d say it has been a very positive two months. We’ve started the season well and it’s a long season, but we’re on the right path.
‘I’d say it has been a positive start, but I know any grade for my performances this season will be given at the end of the campaign.
‘I said it then and I still hope to stay. But, we haven’t spoken about that or negotiated anything yet. It’s only October and we’re focused on the busy schedule.’
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Kepa Arrizabalaga had a mixed time playing for Chelsea, losing his No1 spot to Edouard Mendy despite being the most expensive goalkeeper of all time.
He seemed to have regained his position and confidence, but joined Madrid before he could play a competitive game for new Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino, who took over at the start of this season.
He could find it hard to regain the No1 spot at the Blues, with Sanchez at times impressing and being part of Chelsea’s new recruitment policy of planning for the future – Sanchez is 25.
But it won’t be easy at Madrid, either. Despite a positive start to this season, Courtois will be keen to regain his place in the team and, given the success he has helped bring to the club, Arrizabalaga will have to fight hard to get ahead in the pecking order.
