12 August 2023 , 16:09
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Real Madrid are closing in on a deal to sign Chelsea ’s Kepa Arrizabalaga despite Mauricio Pochettino hinting he would be his number one.
The Spanish giants were hit with a bruising blow on the eve of the season with ex-Blues stopper Thibaut Courtois sustaining a serious knee injury. Former Manchester United star David de Gea immediately emerged as a potential replacement following his Old Trafford exit.
However, it appears that Real are going in a slightly different direction. According to reports, Carlo Ancelotti ’s side are edging towards a deal to sign Kepa. It is thought that the deal to take him to the Santiago Bernabeu will be an initial loan move. The switch will also see the 28-year-old move back to Spain for the first time since his £72m move to Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao.
Since then, he has failed to really establish himself as the Blues’ number one. Pochettino has already entered the market for a goalkeeper with the £25m signing of Brighton ’s Robert Sanchez.
But the Argentine appeared to suggest that Kepa was his number one despite that move. Speaking earlier this month, he said: "Sanchez and Kepa know they are going to fight for the No. 1 position. At the moment, Kepa is a little bit ahead. With time, we will see if Robert is there and can challenge Kepa.”
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In his time as a Chelsea player, Kepa has made 175 appearances for the Blues in all competitions and won the Champions League and Europa League. He has two years remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge.
Thibaut Courtois is restricted to the sidelines with a knee injury (Getty Images)Who else do you think Chelsea should sign? Share your suggestions in the comments below
His previous rival for the number one shirt, Edouard Mendy, quit Stamford Bridge earlier this summer by becoming one of a clutch of stars to move to Saudi Arabia.
Elsewhere, Real boss Ancelotti has given his say on the current goalkeeping situation with his side and refused to confirm whether they would be entering the market - whilst expressing his faith in back-up stopper Andriy Lunin.
"We've had an injury to an important player, but that happens in football," the Italian said. "Now we hope that Courtois can recover quickly and we give all the confidence in the world to Lunin.
"He's a great goalkeeper, he's shown his quality, and we have total confidence in him. We think he's a talent. What he's lacking is what everyone lacks when they start out. He lacks experience. He'll get that game by game."
Whilst Kepa edges towards the exit door, there could yet be even more movement on the transfer front for Chelsea. The Blues are continuing to chase a move for Moises Caicedo.
The Ecuadorian reportedly favours a move to Stamford Bridge despite Liverpool having seen a big bid accepted for his services.