Kepa takes SWIPE at Chelsea after Real Madrid transfer
Tom Hancock
- 15 Aug 2023 15:49 BST
- 3 min read
Kepa Arrizabalaga has openly admitted that he hopes to make loan move from Chelsea to Real Madrid permanent.
Real unveiled the Spain goalkeeper on Tuesday, having brought him in as cover for the injured Thibaut Courtois.
And it would appear that the 28-year-old – whose €80m (£71.6m) switch from Athletic Bilbao to Chelsea five years ago remains a world record for a ‘keeper – isn’t overly keen on returning to Stamford Bridge…
MORE: Chelsea’s next transfer revealed
Speaking at his unveiling, Kepa said bluntly: “I really hope Real Madrid will keep me at the end of the season.”
He didn’t have to think twice about joining the 13-time European champions, adding: “The decision has been very easy.
“I had other important offers, but Real Madrid is Real Madrid. When Real Madrid wanted me, everything was clear.
“Spanish players always talk about Real Madrid during the international break; everything about this club is spectacular.”
Kepa looks likely to play most of the season for Real, with Kepa requiring surgery on a torn ACL – an injury which meant Andriy Lunin started between the sticks for Carlo Ancelotti’s side in their 2023/24 La Liga opener, a 2-0 win away to Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.
MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers | All the Done Deals
🤍 @kepa_46's message of encouragement for @thibautcourtois, @edermilitao and @10ardaguler. #WelcomeKepa pic.twitter.com/MKc8p2ovUL
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) August 15, 2023
Chelsea’s shortage between the sticks
Chelsea, meanwhile, having already sold Edouard Mendy to Al-Ahli, brought in a new shot-stopper of their own last week, signing Robert Sanchez from Brighton for £25m.
Kepa’s international colleague started the Blues’ first Premier League game of the campaign, a 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Mauricio Pochettino seems likely to bring in another ‘keeper, though: of the others at his disposal, only Marcus Bettinelli has ever played in the top two tiers of English football – and he’s currently out injured.
