Report: Real Madrid ready to table £18m for Chelsea star

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Following Thibaut Courtois injury at Real Madrid, Real Madrid snapped up Kepa Arrizabalaga on a season-long loan deal.

The Chelsea goalkeeper got a huge opportunity during the summer window, as he swapped his up and down time at Chelsea for a steady loan spell at Real Madrid.

Prior to when Kepa moved to the Stamford bridge, the Los Blancos had showed an interest in the Spanish goalkeeper. Recall back to January 2018, it was reported that Madrid were set to sign him for €20m from Athletic Bilbao.

That was the Spaniard’s release clause at the time and there were even claims he’d undergone a medical ahead of the move. However, then manager Zinedine Zidane exited Madrid and Kepa stayed where he was and extended his deal.

That new contract had a release clause worth €80m, which Chelsea ended up paying in the summer of 2018.

Given he’s only on a season-long loan from Chelsea, Kepa is expected to return to Stamford Bridge next summer.

Sport has however claimed that Real Madrid are considering retaining the Chelsea goalkeeper, and Kepa would be ‘delighted’ to stay where he is, despite the fact that he’d be a second choice at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Reports have it that Chelsea would want €25m for a permanent deal, whereas Real Madrid would offer €18m – as per his market value – if they decide to push ahead for a deal.