27 December 2023 , 01:00
496
0
Kepa Arrizabalaga may find himself doing exactly what he doesn't want to do... returning to Chelsea next summer.
In August 2018, the Spaniard became the most expensive No.1 of all time when he headed to Stamford Bridge from Athletic Bilbao for a £72million fee. But after a five-year spell where he struggled for consistency and failed to nail down a regular first-team place, the 29-year-old moved to Madrid on a temporary deal last summer, somewhat against the wishes of Mauricio Pochettino.
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti made the move following an ACL injury to Belgian keeper Thibaut Courtois, ruling him out for the vast majority of the current 2023/24 season. Chelsea themselves brought in Robert Sanchez from Brighton, after Edouard Mendy left for Saudi Arabia.
The loan arrangement ends next summer but back in October, when asked whether he's like the deal extended by El Chiringuito TV, Kepa answered decisively: "Yes, I’m very happy here. Who doesn’t want to stay at Real Madrid?”
He's helped Real to the top of La Liga at Christmas, but according to Spanish media outlet AS, his ambition to still be in Spain next season won't be realised. Instead, it's increasingly likely that he returns to Chelsea, where Pochettino wants him to compete with Sanchez for selection.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
He remains under contract at the London club until 2025, which will present the Argentinian boss with a dilemma. Unless a new deal is presented to Kepa - and he signs it - the club will have to consider a sale or risk losing him on a free 12 months later.
Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea sit 11th in the Premier League table (Getty Images)HAVE YOUR SAY! Should Chelsea call Kepa back? Comment below.
Chelsea are currently in the midst of a goalkeeping crisis themselves. Sanchez, who himself has struggled for consistency since his £25million move, is currently sidelined with a knee injury, with Dorde Petrovic currently deputising.
The 24-year-old's only previous top-flight experience had come in his native country and in MLS with New England Revolution. He did however make a crucial penalty save from Matt Ritchie before Christmas as the Blues beat Newcastle on spot-kicks to make the League Cup semi-finals.
Kepa did enjoy some stellar moments in a Chelsea shirt before his loan move, proving a penalty hero in successful Europa League, European Super Cup and FIFA World Cup club successes.
But he also famously cost them a League Cup final against Liverpool in 2022, failing to save any of the 11 penalties he faced before blasting his own effort way over the bar.