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Excellence is relative, and the goalkeeping situation in Real Madrid echoes the same. When compared to one another, there is little that separates Kepa Arrizabalaga from Andriy Lunin, thus giving Carlo Ancelotti a difficult time in choosing one as a regular.
Yet, that does not go to state that both players are top operators. They have indeed done well to cover the void left by Thibaut Courtois’ injury, but neither is guaranteed to continue at the club beyond the ongoing season.
Los Blancos are looking for a player who will provide as much, if not more guarantee, than their Belgian talisman in goal. Neither player has been convincing enough on that front, forcing the management to turn to the market.
Kepa’s outlandish price
As revealed by SPORT‘s latest report, Kepa would be open to staying at Real Madrid beyond this season.
However, apart from the fact that he has not convinced enough, there is an economic factor involved that cannot be bridged.
The Spanish outlet revealed that Chelsea ask for €25 million for the goalkeeper’s services if Real Madrid wish to convert his loan to a permanent transfer. Needless to say, that is seen as a bet too risky to handle for Los Blancos.
Age is another factor that does not add up to the price tag. Kepa turns 30 in October, and shelling out such an amount for a player at the doorstep of his thirties is seen as imprudent within the club.
Eyes on the market
With Lunin facing a similar situation in the Spanish capital, the market appears to be the management’s best bet.
Real Madrid are, after all, not just looking for a backup goalkeeper for next season but also a long-term successor for Courtois.
It remains to be seen if Los Blancos find suitable profiles on the market or if one of the existing options steps up in the remainder of the season.
Fran Gonzalez, the academy gem, is another candidate option for the Merengues to consider and his growth will be a topic of interest in the coming months.
