Real Madrid needed to move quickly and they have done just that. With Thibaut Courtois suffering a torn ACL before the season had even started, the club needed to bring in a goalkeeper to take his place between the posts. It is possible that the Belgian might not return to action in the 2023/24 campaign.
Real Madrid already have Andriy Lunin but the 24-year-old has not covered himself in glory with some of his recent displays. Thus, they needed to go out and add to their goalkeeping ranks.
It looks like they have been successful in doing just that. And bar some late twist, Kepa Arrizabalaga should be the new Real Madrid number one very soon.
As tweeted out by Fabrizio Romano, a loan deal for Kepa is verbally agreed between Real Madrid and Chelsea. No obligation to buy or permanent move for the Spanish goalkeeper. The player has already said his goodbyes and is ready to travel
Thus, a deal for Kepa looks as good as done. The Spanish goalkeeper is expected to be the first-choice goalkeeper for Real Madrid for the foreseeable future.
Of course, many fans might raise their eyebrows at the decision to bring in Kepa. He has come under heavy criticism during his time at Chelsea.
He is a very good shot-stopper though, and also good with the ball at his feet. And he might be better suited to this Real Madrid team’s style of play than some of the other names that were doing the rounds of the rumour mill, like David de Gea.
Most importantly, this is only a loan deal. That suits Los Blancos. When Courtois is fit once again, one would expect him to reclaim his place as the starting goalkeeper immediately. So, a long-term solution is not needed.
