According to Fabrizio Romano, Kepa Arrizabalaga will leave Chelsea this summer with a possible move to Saudi Arabia or a return to Real Madrid on the cards.
Kepa Arrizabalaga To Leave Chelsea This Summer
Saudi Arabia or Real Madrid Remain Options
The update from Romano reveals that “Kepa will leave Chelsea this summer.” He also says that there are no changes possible, with the Spanish international destined for pastures new. The transfer guru also says that Al Ittihad considers Kepa as a potential signing and a return to
Real Madrid is a possibility but only if Andriy Lunin departs the Santiago Bernabéu.
The Spaniard has reported for pre-season at Chelsea and is training separately from the first team, confirming his future lies away from the West London club.
He joined Chelsea as the most expensive goalkeeper in history, and with only one year left on his deal,
it seems the Spaniard will leave for only a fraction of that fee. He spoke about his desire to stay long-term with Real Madrid when he joined the club on loan.
Disappointing Chelsea Stay
Kepa joined Chelsea on August 9, 2018, for a world-record transfer fee for a goalkeeper,
with the Spanish goalkeeper moving to London for £71.6m on a seven-year deal. He also spent the second half of last season as a backup to Andrii Lunin and Thibaut Courtois. Kepa also missed out on a place in Spain’s squad for Euro 2024.
He’s endured a difficult spell at Stamford Bridge, criticized by many for his shot-stopping ability and error-prone performances. The Spaniard also missed the 22nd and deciding penalty in the 2022 Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, compounding his often nightmarish spell in West London.
Kepa leaving will see Chelsea offload a 170k per week player from their wage bill and a fresh start could be just what Kepa needs.