Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga would like to stay at Real Madrid even after his loan spell there ends
Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who joined Real Madrid on a season-long loan deal, would prefer staying in the Spanish capital beyond next summer rather than returning to Stamford Bridge.
Madrid decided to sign Kepa after losing Thibaut Courtois to an ACL injury. The former has a contract with Chelsea until the summer of 2025 (Transfermarkt).
Blues signed Robert Sanchez from Brighton and the Spaniard started the opening game of the season against Liverpool. Kepa, on the other hand, was due to be number one here before all this happened.
Here’s what the 28-year-old said about his move to Los Blancos and wanting to stay there beyond this season (h/t Daily Mail):
“I would like to send a message of support to Thibaut (Courtois), Eder (Militao) and Arda (Guler) and I wish them a speedy recovery because injuries are the most difficult thing in our careers.
“This is one of the most important and special days of my sporting career and of my life. I’m very proud to be at Real Madrid. I really hope Real Madrid will keep me at the end of the season!”
Regardless of how well the Spanish international does for the 14-time European champions this season, Courtois would come back and take his place in the side next season, wouldn’t he?
So, stating the intentions of staying there without having much idea of what the future holds is a bit naive of him. But, we don’t know, maybe this was his way of saying that he isn’t interested in going to Chelsea, whether it means staying in Madrid or going somewhere else.
As much as Kepa was the only option in goal for Chelsea before the club signed Sanchez, his record in the Premier League wasn’t good. There was a reason why the Blues replaced him with Edouard Mendy three years ago.
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Let’s hope that he does well for Madrid and stays there while Chelsea sign a new keeper to either compete with Sanchez or usurp him for the number one position. Only a few days remain in the transfer window. The club needs to act fast on the incomings now. Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel is quoted as one of the options they will go after.