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.
NOW READ...
QUIZ! Can you name the 29 managers who’ve taken charge of three or more Premier League clubs?
ANALYSIS What you NEED to know about the possible Champions League reforms
‘He instantly popped into our ratings as one of the best U21 midfielders in Europe. The impressive thing is Slot has made him into more of a no.6' Inside Ryan Gravenberch's transformation at Liverpool
‘I don’t think Liverpool would look at Ollie Watkins, a striker isn’t a pressing issue for them – it’s Arsenal who need one’ Former Reds star explains why his old club don’t need an out-and-out forward this summer
