Real Madrid turn to Chelsea man after giving up on Manchester United star – report
Real Madrid have reportedly turned their attention to Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga after deciding that a move for Manchester United’s David de Gea would be too costly.
The 24-year-old only arrived at Stamford Bridge last summer but came in for fierce criticism after refusing to be substituted during the Blues’ Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City in February.
TEAMtalk has reported that Madrid are ready to bring the goalkeeper back to Spain just a year after his £72 million switch to England from Athletic Bilbao.
The Blues are said to be weighing up a £50 million deal – substantially less than Chelsea's investment – with Jack Butland of Stoke and Burnley’s Nick Pope also being considered as cheaper alternatives.
De Gea, who has long been linked with a move to the Spanish capital, is understood to be too expensive given his £100 million asking price and wage demands of around £400,000 per week.
Kepa has made 44 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea this season, keeping 20 clean sheets.
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Alasdair Mackenzie is a freelance journalist based in Rome, and a FourFourTwo contributor since 2015. When not pulling on the FFT shirt, he can be found at Reuters, The Times and the i. An Italophile since growing up on a diet of Football Italia on Channel 4, he now counts himself among thousands of fans sharing a passion for Ross County and Lazio.