Real Madrid are willing to do whatever it takes to keep Kepa Arrizabalaga in their ranks permanently and are willing to offer goalkeeper Andriy Lunin in a rare partial exchange deal.
As reported by The Sun, Real Madrid have been impressed with Kepa Arrizabalaga’s performance during his loan spell at the club and are keen to make his stay at the Bernabeu a permanent arrangement. Despite setting a £17.5m transfer fee cap, Los Blancos are willing to include Andriy Lunin as part of a swap deal.
The exchange that Real Madrid will offer Chelsea to keep Kepa
Kepa’s arrival at Real Madrid came about due to a long-term injury to first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Although Courtois was expected to be the club’s undisputed number one during the 2023/24 season, his injury forced Real Madrid to look for a new goalkeeper.
Chelsea were not satisfied with Kepa’s performance and were looking for alternatives, so they loaned the Spanish goalkeeper and signed Robert Sánchez. Sánchez has proven to be a valuable addition to the team, which has led to the idea that Kepa will not regain his starting position at Chelsea, especially with his contract expiring in the summer of 2025.
Kepa, for his part, is eager to cement his place at Real Madrid. The club also supports him and has been impressed with his performances in the 12 games in which he has been in charge, keeping his clean sheet five times.
Kepa’s willingness to accept a reduction in his weekly salary of £176,000 reflects his commitment to the club. In turn, Real Madrid are not willing to pay more than £17.5 million for his signing, a figure that could cause some difficulties, since Chelsea set a world record by signing him for £71.6 million five years ago.
However, to pave the way, Real Madrid have proposed including Andriy Lunin in the deal. Lunin, who has not met expectations at the Merengue club, is looking for a change and Chelsea is looking for a goalkeeper, which could make this agreement a win-win for both parties.
The final decision will be in the hands of the clubs involved, but it is clear that Real Madrid is determined to retain Kepa in its squad permanently. The creativity in the negotiations and the potential exchange of players make this an interesting story to follow in the transfer market.
