Kepa Arrizabalaga leaves Chelsea on a season loan deal

Chelsea Football Club have confirmed the exit of Kepa Arrizabalaga on a season-long loan move to Real Madrid.

The news was confirmed on both the websites of Chelsea and Real Madrid on Monday, August 14, 2023. Kepa Arrizabalaga's move to La Liga was made because of the recent injury sustained by Thibaut Courtois during training ahead of the new season.

Kepa arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2018 from Athletic Club and established himself as a first-choice player during his debut season. He went on to win the UEFA Europa League under former Blues manager Maurizio Sarri.

He continued to show his commitment to Chelsea despite losing his place to Edouard Mendy when Thomas Tuchel arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2021. However, he was able to win the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Real Madrid fans will hope he can fill in for Courtois when he returns from injury.