In a significant transfer update, Real Madrid on August 14 (Monday) confirmed the acquisition of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea on a season-long loan deal.
Kepa's move to Chelsea in 2018 from Athletic Bilbao was historic, with the London side shelling out a whopping £71m – a sum that stands as the all-time highest for a goalkeeper's transfer. Despite this promising start, Kepa's tenure at Stamford Bridge experienced its fair share of turbulence. One of the more contentious moments being his refusal to be substituted during the Carabao Cup 2018-19 final against Manchester City.
However, a glimmer of redemption shone through in the 2022-23 season under the stewardship of manager Graham Potter. With an impressive run of five successive clean sheets and three consecutive Man of the Match accolades, Kepa was solidifying his spot as Chelsea's primary goalkeeper for the upcoming season.
Real Madrid's quest for a new custodian came in light of their first-choice keeper, Thibaut Courtois, facing a prolonged absence due to an ACL injury, sidelining him for a significant part of the upcoming season.
The Spanish giants took to their official website to break the news about Kepa's arrival. They declared that the Spanish international's unveiling will be on August 15, post which he will address the media.
The official statement from Real Madrid's site elucidated, "Real Madrid CF and Chelsea FC have reached an agreement for the loan transfer of player Kepa Arrizabalaga for the season, concluding on June 30, 2024."
It further detailed, "Tomorrow, Tuesday, August 15, at 1:30 p.m. at Real Madrid City, Kepa will be introduced as a fresh addition to the Real Madrid roster. Subsequently, he will engage in a press conference."
Kepa's silverware-laden spell at Chelsea spans five seasons, where he lifted major trophies like the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and the Europa League.
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