KEPA ARRIZABALAGA will leave Real Madrid when his season-long loan expires this summer.
The 29-year-old joined Los Blancos in August after refusing a move to Bayern Munich.
Real Madrid wanted to sign him on a temporary basis to replace Thibaut Courtois, who suffered an ACL injury during pre-season.
When he arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu, Kepa revealed he wanted to seal a permanent move at the end of the season.
However, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims he will return to Chelsea instead.
Kepa has been limited to just 18 appearances this season, with back-up goalkeeper Andriy Lunin taking his spot in the first team.
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Real Madrid officials now want to reward Lunin with a new contract.
They are also waiting for Courtois to return from his latest injury setback.
Kepa’s return to Stamford Bridge could spell trouble for Chelsea, with the club needing to balance the books due to Financial Fair Play.
The Blues could be forced into selling some key players – including Reece James and Conor Gallagher – this summer to comply with FFP regulations.
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But they will have to accept a huge loss to offload Kepa.
The goalkeeper joined Chelsea in a £71.6million transfer from Athletic Bilbao in 2018.
And according to Transfermarkt, he is now valued at just £12m.
Kepa made 163 Chelsea appearances before leaving for Real Madrid.
The Blues have since signed Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
