Why Real Madrid won’t buy Kepa from Chelsea this summer

Kepa Arrizabalaga, the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, is facing an uncertain future after a disappointing loan spell at Real Madrid. The Spanish international joined the La Liga giants last summer as a replacement for the injured Thibaut Courtois, but he failed to impress and lost his place to Andriy Lunin.

According to a report by The Athletic, Real Madrid have no intention of making Kepa’s move permanent, as they are not willing to pay the €20m fee that Chelsea are demanding. The Blues are keen to offload the 29-year-old, who has one year left on his contract, but they are also aware of his high wages and his diminished value in the market.

Kepa’s situation is complicated by the fact that Chelsea have already signed Robert Sanchez from Brighton, adding to their goalkeeping options that include Đorđe Petrović and Lucas Bergstrom. The club also have young prospect Slonina out on loan, who could return to challenge for a spot next season.

Kepa’s career has been on a downward spiral since he joined Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao in 2018 for a record-breaking £71.8m. He struggled to adapt to the Premier League and had several high-profile errors that cost his team points. He also had a falling out with former manager Maurizio Sarri, who tried to substitute him in the 2019 League Cup final against Manchester City, but Kepa refused to leave the pitch.

Kepa was hoping to revive his fortunes at Real Madrid, where he worked under his former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti, but he could not dislodge Courtois from the number one spot. He only made 12 appearances in all competitions, conceding 16 goals and keeping four clean sheets. His last game was a nightmare, as he conceded four goals in the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona, which Real Madrid lost on penalties.

Kepa’s future is now in limbo, as he faces the prospect of returning to Chelsea as a third or fourth choice goalkeeper or finding another club willing to take him on loan or buy him for a reduced fee. He still has hopes of playing for Spain in the 2026 World Cup, but he will need to find regular game time and rediscover his form to have a chance of making the squad.