Why Kepa Rejected Bayern Munich to Join Real Madrid

Jan-Christian Dreesen, the CEO of Bayern Munich, has confirmed that Chelsea’s goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga, has chosen to join Real Madrid. The reigning Bundesliga champions were keen on signing Kepa following Yann Sommer’s departure to Inter Milan. However, Madrid swooped in at the last minute due to Thibaut Courtois’ ACL injury, and they are now set to secure the Spanish goalkeeper on a year-long loan deal.

Dreesen revealed that Bayern had come very close to reaching an agreement with Kepa. He stated, “We were very close to finalizing this deal, and we genuinely wanted to introduce Kepa today. But he has chosen to join Real Madrid. Being a Spaniard, Kepa wanted to accept Real’s offer.” Courtois has been a reliable pillar for Real since his arrival from Chelsea, and his early-season injury was a significant setback for the Whites. Previously, Real was reported to have contacted David de Gea as a backup option for Courtois, but the decision changed at the eleventh hour.

De Gea is currently a free agent after departing from Manchester United at the end of the recent season. His contract expired and was not renewed.