Kepa Arrizabalaga will return to Chelsea at the end of the season from Real Madrid when his loan move expires. The Spaniard was signed on a temporary deal as cover for Thibaut Courtois, who suffered an ACL injury at the start of the season and has only recently recovered fully.
The former Athletic Club goalkeeper was replaced as the first choice by Andriy Lunin, who has been incredible throughout the season. The Ukrainian has helped Madrid win the LaLiga title and qualify to the Champions League final. Now, he is set to be rewarded with a new contract while Kepa’s future remains uncertain.
Kepa Arrizabalaga to return to Chelsea after Real Madrid loan
⚪️👋🏻 Kepa will return to Chelsea after Real Madrid loan, as reported. ⤵️ https://t.co/hN082TQ6Vj
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 14, 2024
The 29-year-old has played 13 LaLiga games for Real Madrid this season, alongside four in the Champions League. In the coming weeks, he could be a two-time Champions League winner if Madrid can overcome Dortmund at Wembley.
However, Kepa will be on the bench for that game with Courtois back, and only Lunin expected to compete for the starting spot on June 1.
Back at Chelsea, Djordje Petrovic has cemented himself as the first-choice goalkeeper. As a result, it will be difficult for Kepa to regain his place with the Blues as Robert Sanchez is also in the mix alongside Gabriel Slonina, who is on loan this season.