Kepa Arrizabalaga’s return to Spain could come to an abrupt end as reports suggest Real Madrid are not ready to sign the goalkeeper permanently.
The Spain international was loaned by Chelsea as an emergency replacement for Thibaut Courtois when the Belgian suffered a serious knee injury in August. But after his own injury, Kepa found himself battling with Andriy Lunin for the starting job at Madrid.
Lunin was favored despite Kepa’s return to form after some assured performances, but coach Carlo Ancelotti reinstated the Basque for the final two matches of the year and said he was yet to decide who would become the first choice when the season resumes.
“The idea of rotating goalkeepers doesn’t occur to me,” Ancelotti told reporters ahead of the win at Alaves in midweek. “ They’re both doing well. Lunin has improved a lot and shown a lot of confidence. Kepa also maintained his level. When Kepa recovered from his injury, I liked to reward both players. I will choose one of the two for the second part of the season. »
The 80 million euros paid by Chelsea to Athletic Bilbao to secure the services of Kepa in 2018 remains by far a world record for a goalkeeper. But the native of the Basque Country has struggled to realize his potential, both at club and national level. His new start at Madrid started well with Kepa making several good saves, but doubts over his aerial ability and mastery of his penalty area mean a permanent stay in the Spanish capital is highly unlikely according to reports from AS.
