Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is reportedly on the verge of joining Real Madrid as he comes 'close to rejecting Bayern Munich'. The Spanish in
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Kepa was identified as a target for both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich this summer, but it has now been reported that he is set to reject a move to the Bundesliga. German journalist Florian Plettenberg said: 'Kepa is close to reject FC Bayern as there was no feeling for the club that he wanted to join them. Kepa is now on verge to oin Real Madrid to replace Courtois. Bayern informed.'
Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that Kepa is his first choice goalkeeper heading into the season at Stamford Bridge. Speaking to the press, Pochettino confirmed: '(Kepa) has now been working with us for three or four weeks so is a little ahead of Sanchez. It’s a challenge for them to keep. If they play Sunday, they play. The player that doesn’t play needs to fight to catch the other. It’s going to improve both. We have two very good keepers. Excellent to fight for position.'
It remains to be seen as to whether any deal would be a loan move or a permanent transfer, as Chelsea will no doubt look to replace their shot-stopper. Robert Sanchez's arrival from Brighton this summer means that the Blues have options if they are to lose Kepa, but Pochettino will most likely look for another goalkeeper if Kepa departs.
Real Madrid's pursuit of Kepa Arrizabalaga has been well documented in recent weeks, and it appears that the Spanish goalkeeper is now close to joining the La Liga giants. Kepa's potential move to Real Madrid will be a huge boost to the club, as they look to replace Thibaut Courtois following his ACL injury. It will be interesting to see if the move goes through and how Kepa will adapt to life in Madrid.
With Kepa reportedly set to reject Bayern Munich, it will be interesting to see who the German club turn to as they look to bolster their squad ahead of the new season. Bayern have already signed Alexander Nubel from Schalke, but it appears that they are now looking for a more experienced goalkeeper. It will be interesting to see who they turn to as they look to replace Manuel Neuer in the coming weeks.
