Real Madrid consider signing Kepa Arrizabalaga permanently from Chelsea due to 24-year-old goalkeeper's uncertain future: Reports

Real Madrid CF v Getafe CF - LaLiga EA Sports
Real Madrid are plotting to sign Kepa permanently from Chelsea.

Real Madrid are reportedly weighing up signing Chelsea loanee Kepa Arrizabalaga permanently amid uncertainty over Andriy Lunin's future.

Relevo reports that there are no signs that Lunin will extend his stay at the Santiago Bernabeu beyond June 2024. The Ukrainian goalkeeper has been with Los Blancos since 2018 but has failed to earn a starting berth in Carlo Ancelotti's side.

There were some expectations that Lunin would be Thibaut Courtois' replacement after the Belgian suffered a season-ending ACL injury. He made 12 appearances across competitions last season, keeping four clean sheets.

However, Real Madrid signed Kepa on loan from Chelsea in the summer and the Spanish shot-stopper has impressed at the start of this season. He's kept five clean sheets in 10 games across competitions.

The Blues loanee has admitted he wants to remain at the Bernabeu beyond the end of this season. He said:

"Staying at Real Madrid? Of course, yes I still want that. But it's not time to negotiate it now. I can say my 3 months here have been positive. But the season is long and we will rate it at the end of the season."

Real Madrid are set to make their decision over Kepa once the 2023-24 campaign concludes. He has just under two years left on his contract with Chelsea and is valued by Transfermarkt at €18 million.


Chelsea loanee Kepa on his lack of national team game time despite fine start at Real Madrid

Kepa last played for Spain while at Chelsea.
Kepa last played for Spain while at Chelsea.

Kepa may be catching the eye for Los Blancos but he's still failing to become Spain's No.1. He last played for La Roja in a 2-0 defeat to Scotland in Euro 2024 qualifying action on March 28.

The former Athletic Bilbao shot-stopper has earned 13 caps, keeping eight clean sheets. He was part of the Spanish squad that won the UEFA Nations League earlier this year.

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has been preferring Bilbao's Unai Simon to Kepa. The Madrid goalkeeper admits he wants to play for his national team but such questions should be given to his coach (via Real Madrid's official website):

"I work hard to play for my club and the national team. I'm not going to go into this question. It's a matter for the national team coach. I'm always ready and I'd like to play.”

Kepa made his international debut in 2017 but he's yet to play at a major tournament with Spain. He does look likely to be a member of De la Fuente's squad that head to Germany for the European Championships next year.

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