Real Madrid target 'loan-to-buy' deal for Chelsea's Kepa Arrizabalaga

The La Liga titans are currently scouring the market fervently for a capable understudy to Thibaut Courtois, who is set to be sidelined for the majority of the 2023/24 season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Kepa had previously been a primary target for Los Blancos before they secured the signing of Courtois from Chelsea. A potential ‚¬20 million deal to acquire Kepa almost materialized in January 2018. Nonetheless, the Spanish shot-stopper eventually joined Chelsea for a substantial ‚¬80 million fee in August 2018, after leaving Athletic Club.

Kepa's tenure at Chelsea since then has been mixed with lows and highs, yet he solidified his position as the first-choice goalkeeper last season. His appearances for Chelsea tally up to 163, accompanied by an impressive 59 clean sheets. Nevertheless, recent reports have linked Kepa with a potential departure from the Premier League club.

In a recent turn of events, Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have initiated talks to secure Kepa's services following Manuel Neuer's extended injury lay-off. This has prompted Chelsea to consider parting ways with the Spaniard during the current transfer window.

Real Madrid, faced with the extended absence of Courtois, have entered the market for a goalkeeper solution. Several names, including Yassine Bounou, Giorgi Mamardashvili, and David de Gea, have emerged as potential candidates. Kepa, too, is purportedly on Real Madrid's wanted list, although it remains uncertain if Chelsea would entertain the idea of a loan deal for the Spanish international.

Given the financial implications, Chelsea are unlikely to recoup an amount close to the ‚¬80 million initially paid for Kepa's services five years ago.

The potential resurgence of a deal that faltered previously adds an intriguing dimension to the situation, as Kepa could find himself donning the Real Madrid jersey after half a decade of twists and turns.

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