‘Fantastic’ Chelsea player is now on the verge of joining new club – journalist

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Chelsea are very close to letting Kepa Arrizabalaga complete a move to Real Madrid.

That is according to German journalist Florian Plettenberg.

Plettenberg has reported on Twitter this morning that Kepa Arrizabalaga, 28, is on the verge of joining Spanish giants Real Madrid.
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It is explained that the Chelsea goalkeeper is set for a move to the Bernabeu despite rival interest from Bayern Munich.

The report explains he’ll come in to replace Madrid’s first-choice gloveman Thibaut Courtois, who’s suffered a long-term injury during pre-season.

While a lot of the transfer focus at Stamford Bridge is on potential incomings, there’s still possible movement on outgoings.

Plettenberg explained on Twitter yesterday that German side Bayern felt like Kepa wanted to join them as they aimed to complete a loan with an option to buy.

However, these new developments on Saturday suggest they’ll lose out to Madrid. Incidentally, we’re still waiting to hear whether Kepa’s potential move to the Spanish capital will be on loan or permanent.

It’s pretty obvious that Chelsea’s head coach does rate Kepa. In fact, Mauricio Pochettino described him as a “fantastic keeper” earlier this summer during pre-season, as quoted by Ben Jacobs’ Twitter.

The player could be moving on after five years in west London, though. That would leave new Blues signing Robert Sanchez in prime position to become the club’s number one.

BBC Sport reported that Madrid’s Courtois could miss the majority of the 2023/24 season after he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. This may have presented Kepa with a remarkable opportunity to rebuild his reputation.

If the Chelsea keeper can rediscover his peak form and carry the weight of expectation that comes with playing for Madrid, this transfer could be incredible for him.