Al-Ittihad table offer to sign Chelsea star amid interest from Real Madrid - Reports
Al-Ittihad have reportedly set sights on signing Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea. The Saudi side have tabled a significant offer to lure the Spaniard to the Middle East this summer.
As per a report in MARCA, Arrizabalaga would find it hard to reject the offer from Al-Ittihad. The 29-year-old is yet to decide his future as Real Madrid are still keeping tabs on his situation.
Los Blancos signed him last season on loan after the ACL injury to Thibaut Courtois. The Spaniard impressed initially but was dropped in favor of Andriy Lunin, who has now attracted interest from several clubs.
Real Madrid are waiting for the Ukrainian star to make a decision before deciding if they should make a permanent move for Arrizabalaga.
The goalkeeper has no future at Chelsea as the Blues see Robert Sanchez and Đorđe Petrović as their top keepers. However, they are also analyzing the market and are ready to pounce if they find an improvement on the two keepers.
Kepa Arrizabalaga wants Real Madrid move from Chelsea
Kepa Arrizabalaga has admitted that he wants to stay at Real Madrid. The Chelsea goalkeeper has added that the project at Stamford Bridge is not ideal for him. On this, he told MARCA:
"My intention is to stay [with Real Madrid] for more than a year. It only took a couple of calls because when Real Madrid call, it is different. I felt the Chelsea project was not the right one."
When asked what made him pick Real Madrid over Bayern Munich last season, he added:
"Real Madrid is Real Madrid. When Real Madrid call you, it's easy. I've faced Real three times with Chelsea. When I arrived at Bernabeu I always turned left, to the visiting dressing room, but I wanted to turn right, to local dressing room!"
The Spaniard also spoke to Daily Mail last year about the possibility of moving to Santiago Bernabeu. He said:
“I’d say it has been a very positive two months. We’ve started the season well and it’s a long season, but we’re on the right path. So, I’d say it has been a positive start, but I know any grade for my performances this season will be given at the end of the campaign.
"I said it then and I still hope to stay. But, we haven’t spoken about that or negotiated anything yet. It’s only October and we’re focused on the busy schedule.”
The Blues are open to selling Kepa Arrizabalaga this summer and are welcoming offers. They are not looking to loan out the goalkeeper, a decision similar to what they have taken with Romelu Lukaku.