Real Madrid is reluctant to extend Kepa Arrizabalaga’s loan deal, potentially impacting Chelsea’s future transfer plans. Despite a 5-3 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Super Cup semi-final, the 29-year-old goalkeeper’s costly errors have left Madrid officials dissatisfied. Kepa has expressed a desire to continue at the Santiago Bernabeu, but doubts arise about a long-term contract due to his inconsistent performances, even with an option to buy in the loan agreement.
With Thibaut Courtois sidelined by a prolonged knee injury, Carlo Ancelotti faces pressure to prioritize Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin over the loanee. Chelsea aims to offload their £71 million signing, the world’s most expensive goalkeeper upon his arrival in 2018, with only a year left on his current £180,000-a-week contract.
This situation poses a challenging negotiation for Chelsea, seeking to transfer an unwanted player with a substantial wage. Currently content with Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic, Chelsea aims to generate funds for acquiring a striker, left-back, and central defender during the January transfer window and the upcoming summer to reinforce Mauricio Pochettino’s struggling side.
Given the likelihood of Chelsea missing out on Champions League qualification due to the Premier League’s stringent Profit and Sustainability standards, player sales become crucial for the club’s financial strategy.
