Romano on RECORD Chelsea transfer: 'IT'S OVER'
Tom Weber
- Updated: 12 Aug 2023 14:53 BST
- 4 min read
Kepa Arrizabalaga will not move to Bayern Munich, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Spaniard emerged as a shock target for the Bavarians after Yann Sommer completed his move to Inter. With Manuel Neuer not recovering from his broken leg as well as hoped, the perennial Bundesliga champions need a goalkeeper.
Talks between Bayern and Chelsea over a Kepa deal were progressing nicely with the player said to be keen on the move, which would have been a loan with an option to buy seeing as though the Germans have just splashed €100 million (plus a potential €20m in add-ons) on Harry Kane.
The Blues, who had paid a record fee for the Spaniard, were happy to let him leave, but Kepa has now had a change of heart.
READ: Chelsea to miss out on promising transfer target
Kepa wants Madrid
According to Fabrizio Romano, Kepa favours a move to Real Madrid, who are also looking for a goalkeeper on short notice after Thibaut Courtois suffered an ACL tear in training that will keep him on the sidelines for most if not all of the upcoming campaign.
Also linked with free agent David de Gea, Los Blancos are keen to strike a deal for the Chelsea man quickly as the only senior goalkeeper currently at the club is Andriy Lunin.
READ: Chelsea's £160m DOUBLE DEAL won't solve Pochettino's BIG problem
"Bayern feel it’s over for Kepa," Romano wrote on Twitter, "despite talks [having been] at advanced stages with Chelsea — Kepa wants to join Real Madrid. Bayern won’t insist as they only want players convinced of their project. Real now working to get it done on loan; talks on with Chelsea."
The Blues have already signed Robert Sanchez from Brighton as an option between the sticks, but with Edouard Mendy having left for Al-Ahli, they may have to dip into the market as well to bring in a replacement for Kepa.
