“Real Madrid and Chelsea FC have agreed on the loan of player Kepa Arrizabalaga until June 30, 2024,” the Spanish club said in an official statement on Monday.
As announced last week, Thibaut Courtois will miss most of the season after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
Kepa, 28, had been close to a transfer to Bayern Munich, but will instead return to his native Spain.
The Spaniard was involved in Chelsea’s Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA World Club Cup triumphs in 2021.
However, Kepa lost his Chelsea place to compatriot Robert Sanchez at the start of this term, with the summer signing from Brighton playing in Chelsea’s season-opening 1-1 draw against Liverpool on Sunday.
“The club wish him well for the season ahead in Madrid, where he will work with former Chelsea head coach Carlo Ancelotti,” the Blues said in a statement.
Kepa’s official presentation will occur tomorrow, August 15, at 1:30 p.m. in Real Madrid City as a new Real Madrid player.
