Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is currently training alone in London and despite having several offers on the table, he is taking his time to decide, as he dreams of returning to Real Madrid, reports AS.
It is no secret that Real Madrid’s goalkeeping situation is quite uncertain. Thibaut Courtois has made a full recovery and the situation with Andriy Lunin is less clear.
Lunin returned to training early, skipping his vacation, which seemed to show his eagerness to seize his chance. However, he has also signed with agent Jorge Mendes, known for orchestrating big moves, indicating a potential departure.
With one year left on his contract, Lunin’s exit would necessitate Madrid signing a new goalkeeper. This is where Kepa’s name comes into play, given his experience with the club.
Kepa earned Ancelotti’s trust
Kepa spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, experiencing a roller-coaster year. He arrived as a replacement for the injured Courtois and immediately took the starting position.
However, a muscular problem during a warm-up for a Champions League group stage match against Braga gave Lunin a chance to step in. Lunin’s performance convinced Ancelotti to make him the starter, relegating Kepa to the bench.
Despite this setback, Kepa remained professional and contributed from the sidelines, notably during the penalty shoot-out against Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-finals, where his advice helped Lunin make a crucial save.
He is training alone
Although Kepa’s time at Madrid was not ideal in terms of playing time, he felt comfortable at the club and was part of a historic League-Champions double.
He has a year left on his Chelsea contract and is training daily at the Cobham facility, separate from the main team.
Chelsea’s squad recently travelled to the United States for a summer tour, but Kepa stayed behind with permission to seek a new club. It appears the Blues are willing to facilitate his departure.
It is said that Kepa is keen on returning to Madrid, although he knows it depends on Lunin leaving, something out of his control. For this to happen, Lunin must present an offer that satisfies Madrid, which seems unlikely in the short term.
Meanwhile, Kepa is keeping his options open, waiting to see if the situation at Madrid resolves in his favour. If a better opportunity arises that would significantly advance his career, he is likely to take it. However, for now, returning to Madrid remains his top choice.