Real Madrid hijack transfer for ‘most expensive’ of all-time

Robin Bairner

12 Aug 2023 11:03 BST
3 min read

Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid, 2023/24 — © ProShots

Real Madrid are closing in on Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga as their replacement for Thibault Courtois, who has been struck by long-term injury.

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It would mark a remarkable turnaround in the future of the 28-year-old, who had been destined to move to Bayern Munich, where he was expected to fill in for Manuel Neuer as the Germany legend recovers from a broken leg sustained skiing.

Courtois’ injury – knee ligament damage – was sustained in a more orthodox way while training, but is nonetheless equally serious and is expected to see him pinned to the sidelines for the duration of the season.

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The timing of the injury left Real Madrid scrambling for cover, and though the likes of David de Gea was available as a free agent and Bernabeu legend Keylor Navas is seeking a way out of PSG, they have elected to hijack Bayern’s Kepa move.

Kepa is set to reject the offer from Bayern, who completed a transfer to sign Harry Kane on Saturday, and instead has his eyes set on a deal with Real Madrid, who are expected to sign him on a loan basis.

Los Blancos are presently in discussions with the Blues over the parameters of such a temporary transfer.

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Chelsea heading back into the transfer market?

With the exit of the Spain shot-stopper, who became the most expensive goalkeeper of all-time when he left Athletic Club to sign for Chelsea for €80m in the 2018/19 season, the Blues have completed renovated that sector of their squad.

Earlier this summer, Edouard Mendy was among the stars who joined the Saudi Pro League when he completed an €18.5m deal.

In return, Chelsea have signed goalkeeper Robert Sanchez from Brighton for a fee of €23m. He is now expected to become the No.1 at Stamford Bridge this season, with little serious competition for the role in Mauricio Pochettino’s squad as thing stand.