Transfer: Chelsea’s Kepa joins Real Madrid on loan
Kepa Arrizabalaga has completed a season-long loan move to La Liga side Real Madrid from Chelsea.
The Spanish shot-stopper has joined the record Champions League holders following the absence of Thibaut Courtois who is expected to be out of action for a long period after picking up an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury.
Madrid won the race for the goalkeeper despite Bayern Munich’s initial interest but is expected to return at the end of the season.
He is expected to be unveiled on Monday afternoon having already passed his medical test.
Kepa joined Chelsea in the summer of 2018 from Athletic Club for a record transfer fee for a goalkeeper following the departure of Courtois to Real Madrid.
In his first season, which saw Chelsea win the Europa League, he made 54 appearances signifying his importance to the team.
Over the course of the following four seasons, the Spaniard went on to make a total of 109 appearances for the Blues while winning the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA World Club Cup.
The transfer of the 28-year-old means Chelsea will be without any of their top two goalkeepers from last season having already sold Edouard Mendy to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
Meanwhile, prior to Kepa’s move, Chelsea had already brought in fellow Spaniard goalkeeper Robert Sanchez from Brighton and Hove Albion who made his competitive debut against Liverpool on Sunday.
Pochettino may however make another goalkeeper addition before the transfer window closes.
