Transfer News: Real Madrid want to sign Chelsea star for £8.7m

Real Madrid are weighing permanent move for Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea

According to Spanish outlet La Defensa, Real Madrid are prepared to make a permanent move for Chelsea loanee Kepa Arrizabalaga for £8.7 million.

The Spanish goalkeeper made a loan switch to Madrid in the summer window, and his performance has convinced Madrid to make a long-term transfer.

Kepa has replaced the injured Thibaut Courtois, who suffered a season-ending injury and will return next year around March. The 29-year-old also stated his desire to continue beyond his loan spell at Real.

However, the fee could be an obstacle given the Blues broke their record and made Kepa the most expensive signing. £8.7 million is too low, and we have to negotiate to raise the offer. Chelsea, though, bought Robert Sanchez from Brighton & Hove Albion and won’t mind letting Kepa go.

Following the departure of Kepa, the Blues later recruited Dorde Petrovic from the Major League Soccer club England Revolution, while Sanchez has now occupied the No. 1 position between the sticks.

Chelsea could be open to selling the former Athletic Bilbao shot-stopper, but for a decent price. What Real are asking is too low, and we will barely make a profit from his departure. Moreover, it will be a loss knowing how much we spent on his signing.

Though we still have time to settle on a rate that will please both parties, we must not repeat the costly mistake and should gain from the departure of Kepa given Antonio Rudiger, one of the top defenders in the club left for free. What transpires, though, when Courtois returns to his duties? Will Kepa serve as a backup custodian once more? Well, if he does depart, that won’t be a problem for us.

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Chelsea made a sensible signing when they signed Sanchez before the loan move of Kepa. The former Brighton goalkeeper has so far shown to be an improvement over Kepa, and even if the 29-year-old returns, he may once again serve as Sanchez’s backup.