Kepa Arrizabalaga is currently serving as the replacement for Real Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois on a season-long loan from Chelsea until the summer of 2024. The arrival of Chelsea’s new goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez, prompted Kepa to seek a move away from Stamford Bridge in the summer.
The Belgian international keeper was ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering an injury. As a replacement, Los Blancos brought in the 29-year-old Spanish shot-stopper as a temporary solution. Now, the discussion of his permanent signing is underway, leading Lunin to explore his options.
Kepa’s Real Madrid transfer decision leaves Andriy Lunin discontent
Carlo Ancelotti has shown his faith in the skills of the loanee keeper from Chelsea, who has started in a total of 11 matches for his new side, Real Madrid, so far this season. He was only on the bench in his first La Liga fixture against UD Almeria, in which the Ukrainian Andriy Lunin made the start.
The 29-year-old has certainly made an impressive start for Real Madrid by managing five clean sheets in 11 appearances in all competitions, cementing his place in the starting eleven as their first-choice keeper this season in the absence of Belgian Wall Courtois, who was a key figure for the 14-time champions league winners in the recent triumphs. It is reported that Kepa is eyeing a permanent stay in Madrid. Even former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech was full of praise of the Sapnish international.
The rumors of Kepa’s permanent move grew frustrating for Ukrainian international Lunin, who hoped to get chances after first-choice Courtois got sidelined for the season. However, Real Madrid quickly opted for Kepa as their new number one. Lunin has only played two matches and kept a clean sheet in one; since then, he has remained on the bench this season.
It is evident that Kepa would be the preferred choice for the remainder of the season. Thus, it’s likely that Lunin could depart after his contract expires next summer, as he hasn’t been given a fair amount of chances to establish himself at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Madrid’s regular goalkeeper Courtois suffered an ACL tear during training
The former Atletico Madrid shot-stopper returned to the Spanish capital to join city rivals Real Madrid from Chelsea for a transfer fee of £35 million in 2018. He signed a five-year long-term extension in 2021, securing his stay at the Santiago Bernabeu until 2026. Unfortunately, the Belgian suffered a ligament tear during training, ruling him out for the entire season.
Courtois played a key role in Real Madrid lifting the Champions League trophy, two La Liga titles, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. He made 230 appearances and kept 91 clean sheets in all competitions for Los Blancos, emerging as a monumental figure since joining the club.
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