According to a report by Spanish journalists Sergio Fernandez and Alfredo Mantilla, Kepa Arrizabalaga is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. The reigning La Liga champions are scouring the market for a new goalkeeper heading into the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding Andriy Lunin’s long-term future. So, the Chelsea outcast has emerged as a target for the West London club.
Kepa Arrizabalaga has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Chelsea from Athletic Club in a world-record deal for a goalkeeper in August 2018. While the West London club broke the bank to land the Spaniard, he has only shown flashes of brilliance during his spell at Stamford Bridge.
In addition, the 30-year-old shot-stopper has been away from Chelsea on loan spells at Real Madrid and Bournemouth in the last two seasons. Kepa has been a mainstay between the sticks for the Cherries this term, keeping eight clean sheets in 31 appearances across all competitions while conceding only 38 goals.
Meanwhile, Kepa’s exploits for Bournemouth have not gone unnoticed, with Real Madrid taking note of his performances in the ongoing campaign. The reigning La Liga champions are ready to launch the offensive to re-sign the Spanish international in the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, Chelsea will likely entertain bids for a permanent sale in the coming months.
Real Madrid’s interest in Kepa Arrizabalaga is understandable. While Thibaut Courtois remains one of the best goalkeepers in the world, he is in the twilight of his career. However, the reigning La Liga champions do not need a new first-choice goalkeeper, with Courtois’s deputy Andriy Lunin facing an uncertain future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Ukrainian international is ready to embark on a new adventure in the summer transfer window amid his links with Premier League bigwigs. So, Real Madrid must scour the market for a goalkeeper, with the 30-year-old Spaniard emerging as a viable target.
However, the Chelsea outcast is a target for Bournemouth over a permanent move in the summer transfer window. So, it will be interesting to see where the Spanish international plies his trade in the 2025/26 season, although the opportunity to join Real Madrid should appeal to him.
