Real Madrid is considering making Kepa Arrizabalaga’s loan move permanent, but there’s a catch: Chelsea would have to accept a significant loss on their original investment. After bringing Kepa in on loan last summer, Real Madrid is interested in sealing a permanent deal. However, The Sun has reported that Real Madrid is only willing to pay £17.5 million ($21 million), a substantial decrease from the £72 million ($88 million) Chelsea spent on him in 2018, setting a world-record transfer fee for a goalkeeper at that time. Despite this, Kepa is reportedly open to accepting a reduced wage for the move to go through.
In a broader context, Real Madrid urgently needed a goalkeeper in August when Thibaut Courtois sustained an ACL injury, likely sidelining him for a significant portion, if not the entirety, of the season. Kepa has stepped up as the new number one at the club, especially after Chelsea acquired Robert Sanchez for £25 million ($31 million), leaving Kepa’s future with Chelsea uncertain. The 29-year-old goalkeeper has also indicated his willingness to extend his stay in Madrid beyond the initial loan period.