Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has revealed that he wants to eventually sign for Real Madrid on a permanent basis.
Throughout pre-season, the Spain international was regarded as first choice at Stamford Bridge, even with the arrival of Robert Sanchez from Brighton & Hove Albion.
However, a serious knee injury sustained by Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois led to Los Blancos needing to enter the transfer market for a new number one.
With the possibility of the Belgian returning to the fold to re-establish himself as first choice, Real did not want to sign a new stopper for a fee or on a long-term contract.
As a result, club officials were able to successfully negotiate a loan deal for Arrizabalaga, who jumped at the opportunity to represent one of his homeland's biggest club.
© Reuters
While Chelsea can expect to receive a fee for allowing Arrizabalaga to spend the season at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real have no option or obligation to sign the 28-year-old on a permanent basis.
Nevertheless, speaking at his official unveiling on Tuesday, Arrizabalaga has acknowledged that he hopes to have played his final game for Chelsea.
He told reporters: "I really hope Real Madrid will keep me at the end of the season.
"The decision has been very easy," Arrizabalaga added: "I had other important offers but Real Madrid is Real Madrid. When Real Madrid wanted me everything was clear.
© Reuters
"Spanish players always talk about Real Madrid during the international break. Everything about this club is spectacular."
Bayern Munich head coach Thomas Tuchel had wanted to be reunited with a player that he had worked with during his time at Stamford Bridge.
Instead, negotiations between Chelsea and Real were concluded relatively swiftly, even though the Premier League outfit do not stand to immediately benefit from the deal.
Arrizabalaga will return to his parent club in 2024 with just a year left on his contract, while Mauricio Pochettino also requires a fresh face to compete with Sanchez.
Darren Plant
