Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa poised to decline Bayern offer, eyeing move to Madrid

Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has reportedly decided to snub a potential move to Bayern Munich and instead accept an offer from Real Madrid. This move comes as a replacement for the injured Thibault Courtois, who is expected to miss the entire season. According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, Bayern Munich has been informed of Kepa’s decision.

As per Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Chelsea is on the verge of losing their goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to Real Madrid. The Spanish goalkeeper was previously linked with a loan move to Bayern Munich, but now it seems he will reject that opportunity.

Kepa, who is 28 years old, will join Real Madrid to fill in for the injured starting keeper Thibault Courtois, who ruptured his ACL and will be out for the entire 2023-24 season. Bayern Munich, on the other hand, is in need of a goalkeeper after Manuel Neuer broke his leg in a skiing accident. It was reported that Bayern was exploring a loan deal with a buy option.

According to Plettenberg, Bayern Munich has been informed of Kepa’s decision. Kepa was among several names on Real Madrid’s shortlist for goalkeeper replacements, which also included free agent David de Gea, Sevilla’s Yassine Bounou, and Leeds United’s Messlier.

If Kepa joins Real Madrid, Chelsea will still have options as they signed Brighton’s goalkeeper Robert Sanchez earlier in August. However, it is likely that manager Mauricio Pochettino would look to further reinforce his squad with another backup goalkeeper for the season.