Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga has completed a season-long loan transfer to Real Madrid in La Liga.
The Spanish custodian has joined the record Champions League champions in place of Thibaut Courtois, who is set to be sidelined for a considerable time after suffering an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury.
Despite Bayern Munich’s early interest, Madrid won the fight for the custodian, who is set to return at the conclusion of the season.
He is likely to be introduced on Monday afternoon after passing his medical exam.
Following the departure of Courtois to Real Madrid, Kepa joined Chelsea from Athletic Club in the summer of 2018 for a record transfer cost for a custodian.
He played 54 games in his debut season, during which Chelsea won the Europa League, demonstrating his value to the squad.
The Spaniard went on to make 109 appearances for the Blues over the next four seasons, winning the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA World Club Cup.
Chelsea will now be without any of their top two goalkeepers from last season, having previously traded Edouard Mendy to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.
Chelsea had already signed another Spaniard keeper, Robert Sanchez, from Brighton and Hove Albion prior to Kepa’s arrival, and he made his competitive debut against Liverpool on Sunday.
Pochettino, on the other hand, may bring in another custodian before the transfer window closes.
