OFFICIAL: Kepa joins Madrid on loan from Chelsea

Kepa Arrizabalaga has not played in La Liga since 2018. The Spanish goalkeeper is very close to returning to his homeland as he has been signed by Real Madrid on loan until 2024.

"Real Madrid C. F. and Chelsea FC have reached an agreement to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan, seeing him sign for the club for this season until 30 June 2024," they wrote on their website. 

The 28-year-old joined Chelsea for the 2018/19 season and has played 163 competitive matches for the Blues, conceding 59 goals.

Kepa has stood out in recent seasons for being the first-choice goalkeeper for all the coaches Chelsea have had in recent months and for having been called up by the Spanish national team. As a result, he has been targeted by several top clubs in the summer transfer window.

Bayern Munich were the first to keep an eye on him as they are looking for a replacement for Manuel Neuer, who broke his leg in a skiing accident in December. The Chelsea goalkeeper was willing to move to the Bundesliga.

However, Thibaut Courtois' injury changed his fate for next campaign. The Belgian stopper is set to miss the majority of the season with a cruciate ligament injury. For this reason, 'Los Blancos' contacted the Spaniard and his inner circle to find out his current situation.

He had previously been linked with a move to join Bayern Munich on loan, but now he is set to reject them. Kepa has decided to play next season in a Real Madrid shirt.

 

August 14, 2023