In a determined bid to rejoin Real Madrid, Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is reportedly willing to accept a wage reduction to facilitate the transfer.
The 29-year-old Spaniard, who became the most expensive goalkeeper in history when he joined Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao for £72 million in 2018, is eager to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
Kepa spent last season on loan at the Bernabeu, where he made a positive impression.
Recent reports from Spanish news outlet AS suggest that the goalkeeper is desperate to make his move to Real Madrid permanent and is prepared to take a significant pay cut to make the transfer happen.
Currently earning around £150,000 per week, Kepa’s desire to reunite with Carlo Ancelotti underscores his commitment to securing a spot with the La Liga giants.
Chelsea’s summer transfer activity has been robust, with several high-profile exits and strategic acquisitions.
The departures of players such as Thiago Silva, Hakim Ziyech, and Lewis Hall have brought in approximately £89 million, balancing the books and enabling the club to operate within Profit and Sustainability regulations.
This financial prudence has allowed Chelsea to pursue new signings like Tosin Adarabioyo and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall without excessive spending.
However, the club is still keen to offload more players to further trim their wage bill and make room for new additions.
Romelu Lukaku, who commands a hefty £325,000 per week, is among those Chelsea are eager to move, with interest reportedly coming from AC Milan and Napoli.
Other potential departures include Armando Broja, Malang Sarr, and Trevoh Chalobah.
Kepa’s potential exit would significantly contribute to Chelsea’s wage restructuring.
The goalkeeper’s willingness to take a pay cut reflects his determination to return to Real Madrid, a club where he feels he can reignite his career after a challenging spell in the Premier League.
While Kepa has also attracted interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, an initial bid was rejected by Chelsea.
This leaves the door open for Real Madrid, especially as they assess their options with current keeper Andriy Lunin’s contract situation still unresolved.
As the transfer deadline approaches on August 30, Chelsea’s co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley will be working diligently to finalize the squad’s composition.
The club’s strategic approach to the transfer market this summer reflects a blend of financial discipline and targeted strengthening, aiming to support Enzo Maresca’s vision for the upcoming season.