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Real Madrid’s Goalkeeper Shuffle: Who’s In and Who’s Out?

Lisbon, Portugal. 2nd Nov, 2021. Samuel Eto'o, Footballer and Philanthropist at The Samuel Eto'o Foundation (L) and Fabrizio Romano, Football Journalist (R), attend the second day of the Web Summit 2021 in Lisbon. (Credit Image: © Bruno De Carvalho/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire)
© Alamy / ZUMA Press Inc

The recent tweet by renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano has sparked significant speculation regarding the goalkeeping situation at Real Madrid. According to Romano, the Spanish giants have not yet received any approach from Chelsea for their Ukrainian goalkeeper, Andrij Lunin. However, discussions have revolved around Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has expressed his preference for a move to Real Madrid, contingent on Lunin’s potential departure.

  • Real Madrid has not received any approach from Chelsea for Andrij Lunin.
  • Kepa Arrizabalaga prefers a move to Real Madrid if Lunin departs.
  • Kepa has received a formal proposal from Al Ittihad but is holding out for Real Madrid.

Profiles and Career Statistics

Andrij Lunin

Andrij Lunin, born on February 11, 1999, in Krasnograd, Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine, is a 1.91 m tall goalkeeper currently playing for Real Madrid. His contract with the club expires on June 30, 2025, and his market value is estimated at €25.00m as of June 7, 2024. Lunin is represented by Gestifute.

Career Statistics:

  • Total Appearances: 138
  • Premier Liga: 41 appearances
  • LaLiga: 35 appearances
  • UEFA Champions League: 10 appearances
  • National Team (Ukraine): 13 caps

Transfer History:

  • Real Madrid: Joined on July 1, 2018, for €8.50m.
  • Loan Spells: Real Oviedo, Real Valladolid, CD Leganés.

For more detailed player statistics and transfer history, check Lunin’s profile on Transfermarkt.

Kepa Arrizabalaga

Kepa Arrizabalaga, born on October 3, 1994, in Ondarroa, Spain, is a 1.88 m tall goalkeeper currently playing for Chelsea FC. His contract with the club expires on June 30, 2025, and his market value is estimated at €12.00m as of June 7, 2024. Kepa is represented by AC Talent.

Career Statistics:

  • Total Appearances: 347
  • Premier League: 109 appearances
  • LaLiga: 67 appearances
  • UEFA Champions League: 21 appearances
  • National Team (Spain): 13 caps

Transfer History:

  • Chelsea: Joined on August 8, 2018, for €80 million, the highest fee for a goalkeeper at the time.
  • Loan Spell: Real Madrid (2023).

For more detailed player statistics and transfer history, check Kepa’s profile on Transfermarkt.

Broader Implications

The broader implications of this potential goalkeeper shuffle extend beyond the immediate futures of Lunin and Kepa. Real Madrid’s ability to attract top talent remains evident, as highlighted by their recent acquisition of Kylian Mbappé on a free transfer. This move, coupled with the potential addition of Kepa, underscores the club’s strategic positioning in the transfer market.

Moreover, Chelsea’s ongoing efforts to bolster their squad with young talent, as seen in their pursuit of a promising prospect from Barcelona, further complicate the situation. The Blues’ decision regarding their goalkeeping situation could significantly impact their transfer strategies moving forward.

Additionally, Al Ittihad’s aggressive pursuit of top-tier talent under their new manager reflects the growing competitiveness of leagues outside Europe. Kepa’s decision to wait for Real Madrid’s offer despite a lucrative proposal from Al Ittihad highlights the allure of playing for one of the world’s most prestigious clubs.


This evolving story promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats as the summer transfer window unfolds.

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