Chelsea's first January signing approved with swap deal for a world-class player

Real Madrid has shown a readiness to extend the contract of Spain’s goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga beyond this season, and they want to do so as soon as possible.

With his return and the rapidity with which he agreed to depart despite being in line to start the season as the west London side’s number one, Kepa has also underlined his decision to stay in Spain’s capital Reported by football london

Since joining Real Madrid in the summer, the 29-year-old has appeared in 12 games, assisting manager Carlo Ancellotti’s side to the league title and three Champions League victories.

There is no doubt that he would like to stay in Madrid, but according to the Sun, Madrid wants to offer only £17 million for his services, a significant drop from the approximately £70 million paid to Athletico Bilbao for his signing a few years ago.

Chelsea were pleased to get him off the books, owing to his high salaries, but they will be hoping for more than the £17 million Madrid is proposing to pay to have him off the books.

After first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois suffered a catastrophic knee injury in August, the option to move to Madrid arose.

In Kepa’s absence Chelsea have had to put Robert Sanchez in post, he was initially brought into be seocnd choice and even though he’s shown signs of being good there have been games where he’s not been at his best.

Chelsea have also been recently linked with Arsenal’s out of favour goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.