- 12 hours ago
Chelsea get irresistible €80m Saudi Pro League offer
Jacque Talbot
- Updated: 8 Jul 2024 10:19 BST
- 4 min read
Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has a ‘significant offer’ from a club in the Saudi Pro League, according to reports in Spain.
The Spaniard FootballTransfers’ Estimated Transfer Value algorithm (ETV) ranks at €11 million - was on loan at Real Madrid last season after Thibaut Courtois sustained an injury that saw him kept out of the side for the campaign.
Kepa remains a Blues player despite often going on record to speak about his desire to stay with Real Madrid for another season.
Back in October, he said: “We've started the season well and it's a long season, but we're on the right path. So, I'd say it has been a positive start, but I know any grade for my performances this season will be given at the end of the campaign.
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Current ETV
Kepa Arrizabalaga
GK
Real Madrid
Kepa Arrizabalaga
GK
Real Madrid
ETV Range
€8.6M - €14.3M
“I said it then and I still hope to stay. But, we haven't spoken about that or negotiated anything yet. It's only October and we're focused on the busy schedule.”
But Los Blancos have Courtois as well as Andriy Lunin, who could well be sold. Although the side have given no indication so far that they wish to keep the 29-year-old at the club, any bid for Lenin could see them make a move for Kepa.
But Marca reports that Kepa has an offer from Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad on the table with a significant salary on offer, but he has asked for time before making a decision.
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It’s thought he will wait to receive other proposals and is having to think hard on what the change of life that moving to Saudi Arabia would mean. Kepa has already said goodbye to Real Madrid and returned to Chelsea, but the uncertainty surrounding Lunin's future means that the La Liga club's directors are keeping an eye on the market and see Kepa as a possible target. Real Madrid full-back Dani Carvajal spoke on the matter recently.
He said: "The Real Madrid dressing room this year has been impressive. For me the greatest example has been Kepa. He joined on loan due to a long-term injury to Thibaut Courtois. He was initially expected to play as a starter and Lunin beat him to the spot.
"But every day he has arrived with a smile, he has worked as hard as anyone in training, he stayed on afterwards to work in the gym to be better and be able to help the team. He is the clear example of a professional player."
Chelsea are open to offers for Kepa but it’s not clear how much they would want to see the departure of the goalkeepe
