Chelsea Outcast Kepa Arrizabalaga Linked with Al Ittihad Move After Spending 2023-24 Season on Loan at Real Madrid
Kepa Arrizabalaga could be on the way to the Saudi Pro League as interest in his services has peaked in the Middle Eastern country upon the completion of his loan deal at European Champions Real Madrid.
The Spaniard shot-stopper, who came up the ranks at Athletic Bilbao before making the big-money move to Chelsea to replace the Real Madrid-bound Thibaut Courtois, has become sidelined at Chelsea since his move to Real Madrid on loan last season.
Journalist Rudy Galetti reveals that Al Ittihad are looking at the Spaniard as one of the options for a summer revamp of their goalkeeping department. Arrizabalaga is one of the names on the club’s list, alongside Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblack.
Reports indicate that Arrizabalaga would rather stay in Europe in his next move and has prioritized a continued stay at Los Blancos. However, this is unlikely, given Thibaut Courtois’s return from injury and Arrizabalaga’s failure to convince the club hierarchy that he is worth investing in.
Al Ittihad are focusing on strengthening their back line ahead of the new Saudi Pro League season, and reports indicate that they have held talks with Brazilian goalkeeper Bento. However, they have also approached Arrizabalaga, thus offering the Spaniard an escape route from his Chelsea career.
Given his performances in La Liga last season for Real Madrid, Arrizabalaga has shown that he has a lot to offer as a goalkeeper and a professional. These qualities are the driving force behind Al Ittihad’s interest in the player, setting up a potentially exciting summer window.
