As a replacement for the injured Thibaut Courtois, Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has signed a season-long loan deal with Real Madrid, the two clubs confirmed on Monday.

According to a statement from the Spanish club, "Real Madrid and Chelsea FC have agreed on the loan of player Kepa Arrizabalaga until June 30, 2024."

The anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee was torn, forcing 31-year-old Belgian star Courtois to miss most of the current campaign.

The 28-year-old Kepa will return to his native Spain after nearly joining Bayern Munich.


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The offer from Real Madrid has arrived, according to Bayern board chairman Jan-Christian Dreesen, who had stated on Sunday that the Bavarian club was considering presenting Kepa "today or tomorrow." Kepa takes it naturally because he is Spanish.

The former Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper came close to joining Real in 2018 but instead chose to join Chelsea for £71 million ($90 million). In his debut season, he won the Europa League.

The Spaniard also played a part in Chelsea's victories in the 2021 FIFA World Club Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and Champions League.


Kepa's fellow countryman Robert Sanchez, who Chelsea signed from Brighton in the summer, replaced him at the start of the current season after playing in Chelsea's 1-1 tie with Liverpool on Sunday.

The Blues issued a statement wishing him luck for the upcoming season in Madrid, where he will work with former Chelsea head coach Carlo Ancelotti.