Chelsea reject Saudi Pro League transfer offer for goalkeeper - report

Chelsea have turned down an offer from Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad for goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, according to a report.

The Spaniard spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, signing for the Spanish giants as cover after Thibaut Courtois suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury. He initially enjoyed plenty of game time but was displaced in the starting XI by Andriy Lunin at the start of 2024.

Kepa, who remains the most expensive goalkeeper ever after Chelsea handed over £72.5m to Athletic Club in 2018, faces an uncertain future. Madrid have not been convinced to re-sign him yet and The Athletic now say an 'initial offer' from Al Ittihad has been dismissed by Chelsea.

The west London club remain in talks with their Saudi counterparts as well as other interested clubs, with the 29-year-old expected to move on before the end of the summer transfer window.

Reports recently indicated Kepa had received a typically lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League, but the terms for his exit have not yet been agreed.

If a breakthrough does arrive, the 13-time Spain international could be reunited at Al Ittihad with former Chelsea teammate N'Golo Kante, who earned plaudits for his excellent performances during France's run to the Euro 2024 semi-finals.

The Saudi Pro League signed a number of world-renowned stars last year and are pushing ahead with more plans this summer, with former Madrid captain Nacho Fernandez recently completing a switch to Al Qadsiah.

Liverpool and Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk is also said to be a major target for Saudi clubs, with Al Nassr hopeful of partnering the centre-back with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Manchester City defender Kevin De Bruyne has also claimed his head could be turned at some point by the riches on offer in the Middle East, while Mohamed Salah remains a dream signing for the region.

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