Real Madrid consider extending Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa’s loan on one condition: Reports
Real Madrid are reportedly prepared to extend Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga's loan if Andriy Lunin leaves the Santiago Bernabeu. The Spanish shot-stopper spent last season on loan with the La Liga giants.
Relevo reports that Madrid are considering keeping Kepa for another season on loan. Lunin's future is uncertain despite reaching a verbal agreement with Los Blancos over a contract extension until 2029.
Real Madrid could be prepared to sell Lunin, 25, if a good offer is made for the Ukrainian goalkeeper. He was excellent filling in for the injured Thibaut Courtois last season, keeping 12 clean sheets in 31 games across competitions.
Courtois is set to remain as Carlo Ancelotti's No.1, which could see Lunin opt to leave for more first-team opportunities. He has a year left on his contract, so this is a vital time for a sale or extension.
Arsenal have been linked with Lunin as Mikel Arteta looks to respond to another Premier League title race defeat. Aaron Ramsdale could be headed for the Emirates exit door this summer.
Madrid will look to keep Kepa, 29, for another season despite the Chelsea loanee struggling for minutes at the Bernabeu. He lost his place in Ancelotti's starting XI to Lunin, but Los Merengues appreciated his professionalism and how he accepted his withdrawn role.
Kepa will unlikely have a future at Stamford Bridge once he returns to west London later this month. The Blues have Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic battling it out for their No.1 jersey.
"We are the champions" - Chelsea's Kepa celebrated Real Madrid's Champions League triumph ahead of exit
Kepa may not have been handed regular game time at Real Madrid, but he was part of one of the La Liga giants' most memorable seasons. He made 20 appearances across competitions, keeping nine clean sheets.
The 13-cap Spain international thanked Madrid fans for their support during his loan spell. Los Blancos won the UEFA Champions League, the La Liga title and the Supercopa de Espana.
Kepa posted a snap of himself with the European title and captioned it:
"THANK YOU for all the support during the year Madridistas. We are the champions of Europe."
Kepa is now a two-time Champions League winner as he won Europe's elite club competition with Chelsea in 2021. He still lacked a prominent role on that occasion, making just one appearance as Thomas Tuchel preferred Edouard Mendy.