Real Madrid has reportedly made a decision regarding the future of Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Real Madrid is not expected to extend Kepa Arrizabalaga’s stay beyond his current loan spell, meaning the 29-year-old goalkeeper will return to his parent club Chelsea this summer.
Kepa’s arrival at Madrid in August was prompted by Thibaut Courtois’ injury, the irony being that Kepa was initially signed to replace Courtois at Chelsea in 2018. However, despite getting the nod from Carlo Ancelotti initially, Kepa fell behind Andriy Lunin in the pecking order after sustaining a minor injury in November and hasn’t been able to regain his place.
With Courtois poised to return to action next season following a delayed comeback due to injury setbacks, Madrid will soon no longer require Kepa’s services. According to Fabrizio Romano, the plan at the Bernabeu is to let Kepa go in June and prioritize a contract extension for Lunin.
Despite the potential prospect of returning to an understudy role and the opportunity to secure a starting position elsewhere, Lunin has expressed his desire to remain with Madrid. “I would like to stay,” he stated when questioned by Spanish media in February.
Lunin’s current contract is set to expire at the end of next season.
Kepa’s contract with Chelsea is also due to end in 2025. Although he was Chelsea’s No.1 goalkeeper as recently as last season after fending off competition from Edouard Mendy, Chelsea signed Robert Sanchez from Brighton & Hove Albion during the summer transfer window, paving the way for Kepa to pursue the opportunity at Madrid. Even if Sanchez is not deemed as the long-term solution, Chelsea remains linked with Aaron Ramsdale, who is expected to become available after losing his place at Arsenal. Additionally, they may consider Djordje Petrovic as a viable option in goal.
