Real Madrid have confirmed the loan signing of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, and he has already admitted that he wants to stay beyond this season.
Los Blancos were quick to recruit Kepa from Chelsea after goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament, ruling him out for most of the season.
Real Madrid have signed the Spain international on a one-year loan with no option to buy, indicating that they will not keep him when Courtois eventually returns, but Kepa may have other plans.
Speaking in his opening press conference as a Real Madrid player, the 28-year-old admitted that he wants to earn himself a permanent move to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“I hope so. Today is day one and I’m here on loan, but we’ll have time and we’ll see. I hope that with my effort and performances this can happen,” Kepa stated after being asked about the possibility of a permanent move.
A goalkeeping circle
Real Madrid first registered their interest in Kepa in 2018, when he was playing for Athletic Bilbao, but could not agree a deal in January, and they then signed Courtois from Chelsea later that year.
Chelsea then signed Kepa to replace Courtois, who has been exceptional for Real Madrid, whilst Kepa has mostly struggled in West London.
Kepa has now replaced Courtois at two different clubs, whilst also finally arriving in Madrid five years after the club initially wanted him as the long-term replacement for Keylor Navas.
Although he has not had the best time at Chelsea, Kepa has delivered some strong performances for club and country and is an experienced option who can cover for Courtois in the short-term. Despite Kepa’s statement though, it seems unlikely that the club will fight hard to keep him once their number one returns from injury.