“Of course, yes I still want that” – Kepa makes feelings clear about Chelsea future after Real Madrid loan move
Chelsea loanee Kepa Arrizabalaga has reiterated his desire to remain at Real Madrid beyond this season.
Kepa joined Los Blancos on a season-long loan in the summer following Thibaut Courtois' long-term ACL injury. The Spanish goalkeeper has been a regular for Carlo Ancelotti's side, keeping five clean sheets in 10 games across competitions.
The 29-year-old wants to stay with Real Madrid in the long run despite the fact he'll be heading back to Chelsea in the summer of 2024 as things stand. He said (via transfer expert Fabrizio Romano):
"Staying at Real Madrid? Of course, yes I still want that. But it's not time to negotiate it now. I can say my 3 months here have been positive. But the season is long and we will rate it at the end of the season."
Kepa displaced Edouard Mendy as Chelsea's first-choice goalkeeper last season, making 39 appearances across competitions, and keeping 12 clean sheets. He'd been previously replaced by the Senegalese shot-stopper at Stamford Bridge.
However, the Blues signed Robert Sanchez from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer for £25 million. The Spaniard has since taken up the No.1 jersey with the west Londoners.
Thus, question marks remain over Kepa's future once Courtois returns from his ACL injury. The Belgian is set to miss the entirety of the 2023-24 season, meaning the Chelsea loanee will be Ancelotti's No.1 for the rest of the campaign.
Real Madrid are reportedly prepared to pay around €40 million to sign Chelsea captain Reece James
Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo (via TheRealChamps) reports that Real Madrid could try to sign Chelsea skipper Reece James for a fee in the region of €35-€40 million
James has just recovered from a long-term hamstring injury, coming on in the Blues' 2-2 draw against Arsenal on Saturday (October 21). The English defender was appointed club captain by Pochettino in the summer.
However, the 24-year-old's injury record has been concerning for the west Londoners. He's sat out nine games already this season, with Malo Gusto filling in for the England international.
Real Madrid hold an interest in James as Dani Carvajal enters the twilight of his career. The veteran Spanish right-back is now 31 and Los Blancos will need to find a long-term replacement for him sooner rather than later.
James fits the bill as he's regarded as one of the best all-round full-backs in Europe. He's made 149 appearances for the Blues, scoring 11 goals and providing 20 assists.