Spain star has rejected a multi-million dollar offer from Saudi club, ready to take paycut to join Real Madrid - Reports
Spain goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has reportedly rejected a staggering contract proposal from Al Ittihad as he waits for Real Madrid. The Chelsea shot-stopper spent last season on loan with the La Liga giants.
Marca reports that Kepa turned down a multi-million dollar offer from the Saudi Pro League giants. The Spaniard has stopped talks with the Jeddah-based outfit because he's holding out for Los Blancos.
Kepa, 29, is prepared to take a wage cut to secure a return to Real Madrid this summer. He joined Carlo Ancelotti's side on loan after Thibaut Courtois suffered an ACL injury.
The 13-cap Spain international initially became Ancelotti's new No.1 while Courtois was out injured. He lost his place to Andriy Lunin, who enjoyed a breakout season at the Bernabeu.
Kepa appeared 20 times across competitions, helping Los Merengues keep nine clean sheets. His lack of first-team opportunities hasn't stopped him from desiring to continue with Madrid.
Al-Ittihad are undergoing a rebuild as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2023-24 campaign. Karim Benzema's arrival failed to ignite Nadi Al-Sha'ab, and they finished fourth, surrendering their Saudi Pro League title.
Kepa could be reunited with N'Golo Kante if he were to head to King Abdullah Sports City. The former Chelsea midfielder joined the Saudi outfit last summer after leaving Stamford Bridge.
"My future is in the hands of the club" - Andriy Lunin gave an update on his future at Real Madrid
Kepa could return to Real Madrid to replace Lunin on this occasion as speculation grows over the Ukrainian goalkeeper's future. He earned plaudits last season, filling in for Courtois, keeping 12 clean sheets in 31 games across competitions.
Courtois returned from his long stint on the sidelines at the backend of the season. He played in Madrid's UEFA Champions League final win against Borussia Dortmund (2-0), while Lunin sat it out due to flu.
Lunin has since been linked with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, as he has just a year left on his contract. He touched on his situation at the Bernabeu by admitting he wants more game time (via transfer expert Fabrizio Romano):
"I want to stay, but my future is in the hands of the club. Courtois is one of the best but I want to play."
Lunin could thus make way for Kepa if Madrid opts to cash in on the 13-cap Ukraine international. He's been with Los Merengues since July 2018 but his future is increasingly in doubt.