Speaking in an interview with Juanfe Sanz of El Chiringuito TV, Chelsea loanee Kepa Arrizabalaga has admitted that he would like to join Real Madrid on a permanent basis.
Kepa arrived at Real Madrid late in the summer transfer window as an emergency option after Thibaut Courtois ruptured his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).
With the Belgian set to be out for almost the entire season, Los Blancos needed a top-level replacement and decided to bet on Kepa, who was, at the time, on the cusp of joining Bayern Munich.
But, when Real Madrid came calling, the Spanish international did not think twice about the move and joined the Merengues on a season-long loan deal.
Kepa has previously admitted that he would wish to remain at Real Madrid beyond his loan spell which expires at the end of the 2023/24 season.
And, reiterating his stance again during the interview, the former Athletic Club insisted that he is very happy at the Santiago Bernabeu and would love to prolong his stay.
“Yes, I’m very happy here. Who doesn’t want to stay at Real Madrid?”, Kepa said.
Since joining the club, Kepa has made nine appearances across all competitions, keeping five clean sheets and letting in seven goals.
While he has not always been convincing, the 29-year-old has done what is needed of him so far in Courtois’ absence.
Permanent move could cost €25 million
Amid talks of Kepa wanting to join Real Madrid permanently, reports last month suggested that Chelsea would be open to letting him leave but will seek a transfer fee of around €25 million.
But, Real Madrid will not look to spend more than €18 million on Kepa, if they do indeed decide to sign him permanently.
With Andriy Lunin’s contract expiring at the end of the season, there will be room for a new goalkeeper and it remains to be seen if Kepa’s wishes of a permanent transfer come true or not.