Chelsea number one Kepa Arrizabalaga is set to sign for Real Madrid on loan, according to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg.

The journalist had originally claimed that the Spanish international wanted to join Bayern Munich but he now says the player is “on verge” of moving to La Liga instead:

❗️Excl. News #Kepa: He is close to reject FC Bayern as there was the feeling for the club that he wanted to join them. But there were no agreements as reported.

➡️ Kepa, NOW on verge to join @realmadrid to replace Courtois. Bayern informed. @SkySportDE 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/zWSF8Q8RgH

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 12, 2023

Kepa’s departure would be a massive surprise, considering that manager Mauricio Pochettino has stated the 28-year-old is his first-choice keeper ahead of new signing Robert Sanchez. In his pre-match press conference on Friday, the Blues boss said:

“Sanchez and Kepa know they are going to fight for the No. 1 position. At the moment, Kepa is a little bit ahead. With time, we will see if Robert is there and can challenge Kepa.”

Why are Real Madrid pursuing Kepa?

Real’s first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury and he is expected to miss most of the season.

The Spanish club, therefore, see Kepa as a stop-gap measure while the Belgian international recovers fitness.

Will Chelsea look for a replacement?

Considering that the Blues have just signed Sanchez from Brighton for £25m, you wouldn’t have thought that the London club would head back into the market if Kepa leaves.

However, with Gabriel Slonina having been loaned out to Eupen too, Marcus Bettinelli would be Chelsea’s only backup option. For that reason, they may consider bringing in another keeper, perhaps on a free transfer or on loan.

With the club potentially spending £165m on midfield pair Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, it’s unlikely that there will be any funds available to replace Kepa.