Real Madrid hijack Bayern Munich’s attempt to sign Chelsea keeper
By Evan Curnew
As The Top Flight had previously covered, Bayern Munich looked to be in the midst of negotiations with Chelsea to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga as they looked for someone to yet again replace the injured Manuel Neuer. At the time, the negotiations were described as advanced, but there has now been a twist in the tale of Kepa’s next club. The Spaniard seemingly could be heading home to play for giants Real Madrid.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Kepa wants to join Real Madrid. Having learned this, Bayern Munich have completely halted negotiations with Chelsea as they only want to sign players who will be committed to the club’s project. Real Madrid are expected to push for a loan move, and negotiations between the club and Chelsea are ongoing.
Real Madrid keeper Thibault Courtois has torn his ACL and is expected to be about until at least March. Given Madrid look to compete and win all possible trophies every season, it was vital for the club to bring in a replacement until Courtois can return.
After selling Edouard Mendy to Al-Ahli, it was imperative for Chelsea to sign another keeper before the beginning of the season. They’ve done that by bringing in Robert Sanchez from Brighton and Hove Albion, who was expected to compete with Kepa for a starting spot but now looks poised to be the starter. Former Fulham keeper Marcus Bettinelli is likely to be Chelsea’s backup for the time being. Matt Law of The Telegraph states that Chelsea will need to sign a replacement though.
Born in the Basque country, Kepa came through the academy system of Athletic Bilbao, infamously known for only signing players from or with ties to the Basque country. Kepa signed for Chelsea in 2018 for what is still a record fee for a goalkeeper, £71.6m.