Real Madrid 'prepared to reconsider' Kepa Arrizabalaga transfer stance

Real Madrid are open to re-signing goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga if Andriy Lunin departs, according to a recent report.

Kepa joined Los Blancos on loan in August 2023, stepping in for Thibaut Courtois after he suffered an ACL tear during training but, despite initially beginning as a starter, the Chelsea loanee lost his place to Andriy Lunin and ended the season with just 20 appearances in all competitions.

Madrid declined to pursue a permanent transfer for Kepa, who was relegated to third-choice when Courtois made his return late in the campaign, and sent the stopper back to Chelsea.

However, according to MARCA, Madrid could re-think their stance on Kepa, who could be brought back to the club if Lunin decides to take his talents elsewhere.

Lunin's current contract has just 12 months left to run and an extension has not yet been signed, although the Ukraine international has not asked to depart the club either.

Having impressed during his time as a starter, Lunin has attracted plenty of interest from elsewhere, and if he chooses to leave in search of regular minutes, it is reported that Madrid could look to bring Kepa back.

Chelsea want to sell Kepa permanently this summer as he enters the final year of his own contract and are braced to make an enormous loss on the record fee of £71.6m paid to sign him in the summer of 2018.

With Kepa also keen to return to Madrid, negotiations may not be particularly challenging for anyone involved, but the 29-year-old's future remains tied to Lunin for now.

READ THE LATEST TRANSFER NEWS & GOSSIP FROM AROUND THE WORLD