New Real Madrid signing Kepa Arrizabalaga has told the world media today he wishes to stay at the club when his loan spell comes to an end next summer.

The 28-year-old former Athletic Bilbao shot-stopper joined Chelsea in 2018 for a World record fee for a goalkeeper and has enjoyed a mixed time during his five years in West London.

Kepa Arrizabalaga presented as new Los Blancos keeper

Los Blancos confirmed they had reached an agreement with the Blues over a season-long loan yesterday after regular number-one Thibaut Courtois, one of the world’s greatest shot-stoppers, ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in training last week.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the current Spanish number one told reporters, “I hope that with my performances Real Madrid will decide to keep me after the loan.” 

Kepa on his future: “I hope that with my performances Real Madrid will decide to keep me after the loan”. 🚨⚪️ #Real

“This club is legendary”. pic.twitter.com/SIcbyOME6C

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 15, 2023

However, on just a short-term deal, Kepa is set to return to Stamford Bridge on July 1 with it seeming unlikely Los Blancos will keep both Kepa and Courtois at the club- especially if the Belgian returns to full fitness before the end of the season.

Another cause for concern over Kepa’s long-term future at the Santiago Bernabeu is that head coach Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly set to leave the club at the end of the season. Kepa’s reasonable passing range still papers over his inconsistent handling and below-par shot-stopping: the crucial attribute in being a long-term Real Madrid number-one.

The Spaniard will hope the Blues faithful will have forgotten his comments by the time the 2024-25 campaign comes around.