Following the ACL injury to Thibaut Courtois last week, Real Madrid have been scouring the market in search of a suitable replacement.
Kepa Arrizabalaga emerged as a candidate a few days ago, and a deal has been reached with Chelsea for a season-long loan, with Real officially announcing the signing of the goalkeeper on Monday.
Real Madrid’s official statement on read: “Real Madrid C. F. and Chelsea FC have reached an agreement to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan, seeing him sign for the club for this season until 30 June 2024.”
Madrid will pay the player’s salary over the coming season and also €1m for the loan deal.
Hot take on Kepa
Courtois is one of the best keepers in the world when it comes to asserting dominance, coming out and claiming crosses, and generally giving confidence to his defence. Kepa on the other hand is notoriously poor from corners, and can at times be completely bereft of confidence himself.
The shoes of the Belgian shot-stopper were always going to be a struggle to fill, not just because of his presence, but also because he has been one of the best in his position for the last decade.
Kepa has a lot to prove, but if he is to succeed, he could nail down a starting spot in the national team and greatly improve his reputation.
Japtej Ghura | GSFN
