A fresh insight into the future of Real Madrid loan signing Kepa Arrizabalaga has been forthcoming this evening.
The info comes courtesy of journalist Nizaar Kinsella, regarded as highly reliable when it comes to all things Chelsea.
Kepa, of course, secured a return to Spain last summer, when the Real hierarchy were forced to seek out emergency reinforcements between the posts, owing to Thibaut Courtois’ ACL injury.
Having long dropped down the pecking order at Chelsea, Kepa, in turn, was brought in on loan for the duration of the 2023/24 campaign.
Safe to say, however, that his time in Spain’s capital has since proven a bumpy ride.
Originally brought in to act as no.1, the 29-year-old has seemingly lost his starting spot to backup Andriy Lunin.
This comes amid a stretch of shaky displays on Kepa’s part, the most recent of which saw the former Athletic Club man almost cost Los Blancos dear, en route to their eventual extra-time downing of Atlético Madrid in the semi-finals of the Supercopa de España.
So, all of this considered, what should be made of Kepa’s future at the Santiago Bernabéu beyond the summer?
The powers that be at Real secured an option to buy as part of their agreement with Chelsea, with the intention, at the time, having been to make use of as much, in the case of the Spaniard impressing.
As per the aforementioned Nizaar Kinsella, reporting for the Evening Standard, however, this is beginning to look increasingly unlikely.
Los Blancos are said to be ‘reluctant’ to make Kepa’s move a permanent one, amid mounting concerns surrounding his capacity to feature regularly for one of world football’s biggest clubs.
On the flip side, both the shot-stopper himself, and Chelsea, are keen for Florentino Pérez and co. to make use of their option.
For such a scenario to come to fruition, though, a major upturn in performances would be required on Kepa’s part.
Conor Laird | GSFN
