Real Madrid reach agreement to sign new goalkeeper

The Blancos have found a replacement for the injured Thibaut Courtois.

Real Madrid have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan.

Kepa was heavily linked with a move to Bayern Munich, who are also looking to replace their injured No.1 goalkeeper. However, Real Madrid’s offer convinced the Spaniard to accept a loan move to Santiago Bernabeu.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid will have no obligation to sign Kepa at the end of his loan deal.

The former Arrizabalaga goalkeeper replaces Thibaut Courtois, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury earlier this week. Real Madrid were reportedly considering a move for David de Gea but eventually decided to add Kepa to their ranks.

Edouard Mendy’s summer move to Al Ahli looked as an ideal opportunity for Kepa to solidify his status as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper.

However, the club went on to sign Robert Sanchez, who joined the Blues on a £25m deal from Brighton.
Last season, Sanchez made 23 Premier League appearances for the Seagulls, keeping six clean sheets. 31-year-old Marcus Bettinelli becomes Mauricio Pochettino’s second goalkeeping choice after Kepa’s exit.

Chelsea start their 2023-24 Premier League season with a match against Liverpool on Sunday. Kepa will most likely be ready to make his Real Madrid debut when they take on Almeria next weekend.