Kepa Arrizabalaga has stated that Chelsea is “not the right project for him,” implying that the Spain international is unlikely to play for the Blues again.
The 28-year-old was supposed to start the 2023-24 season as Chelsea’s starting goalkeeper, but he was subsequently loaned out to Real Madrid. Bayern Munich had been in advanced talks to sign the goalkeeper, but Real Madrid entered the market after Thibaut Courtois suffered a major knee injury.
Kepa Arrizabalaga claims he was “close” to moving to Munich before Carlo Ancelotti entered the contest.
The Spaniard also stated that while Blues head coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed interest in keeping him, he was looking for a “change of scenery” following the team’s troubles last season.
“It’s true that Pochettino wanted me to stay, and he told me that I’d play, that he trusted me, but I thought a change would be good for me, and I wanted a change.” Thomas Tuchel had called. “We were on the verge of going to Munich,” Kepa told Marca.
“I thought it was about time for a change of scenery.” I wanted to stay, but I didn’t think the project was suitable… Everything changes when Madrid calls. My signing was completed in a matter of hours and a handful of phone calls.”
Kepa Arrizabalaga wants to stay long at Madrid
Meanwhile, Kepa revealed last month that he planned to remain with Real Madrid after his loan period expired in June.
“I really hope that Real Madrid will keep me at the end of the season,” he stated. “It was a simple decision.” Other significant offers came my way, but Real Madrid is Real Madrid. Everything was evident when Real Madrid sought me.
“During the international break, Spanish players always talk about Real Madrid.” This club is fantastic in every way.”
A permanent move for Kepa is unlikely unless the Spaniard is prepared to accept being a number two because Courtois is scheduled to return next year.
The Spanish goalkeeper has two-year deal remaining at Stamford Bridge after moving to Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao in August 2018. He is now the most expensive goalkeeper in the world.
Kepa hasn’t made an impact at Chelsea despite finishing last season as the club’s top goalkeeper, ahead of Edouard Mendy.
Since joining Real Madrid, the goalkeeper has appeared in two matches for the club, and even though Thibaut Courtois is out injured, he presently starts for Real Madrid ahead of Andriy Lunin.
