Kepa Arrizabalaga nearly joined Real Madrid but Zinedine Zidane blocked the move – now he is set to be Chelsea’s new No 1

If not for Zinedine Zidane, Chelsea’s incoming new keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga would be playing for Real Madrid next season.

Meanwhile Thibaut Courtois would probably have signed a new contract at Stamford Bridge.

Here, Sportsmail looks at the 21-year-old Spain international.

 If not for Zinedine Zidane, Chelsea target Kepa Arrizabalaga would be playing for Real Madrid

 If not for Zinedine Zidane, Chelsea target Kepa Arrizabalaga would be playing for Real Madrid

He was Madrid-bound last January...

Kepa was lined up by Real Madrid in the winter transfer window but Zidane made a stand and blocked the signing. 


It’s almost unheard of for Real Madrid coaches to veto transfers and when Zidane clashed again with the club at the end of the season over other players it was the signal for a parting of the ways.

So Zidane didn’t fancy him?

No, he just didn’t want his squad upset mid-season. He wanted his keepers protected. 

Keylor Navas would end up repaying his faith by starring in Madrid’s journey to another Champions League final. And Zidane’s son Lucas made his debut in goal in the club’s last match of the season.

Kepa was lined up by Real Madrid in the winter transfer window but Zidane made a stand

Kepa was lined up by Real Madrid in the winter transfer window but Zidane made a stand

But Kepa missed out on a dream move...

And a five-year deal for around £120,000 a week. He still had the option of joining Madrid this summer on a free transfer with an 8million euros signing on fee because he was almost out of contract. 

But Athletic threatened to leave him in the stands if he left for free. Thinking of how that would destroy his chances of making Spain’s World Cup squad he caved in and signed a new five-year deal with Athletic that included an 80m euro release clause – activated by Chelsea on Tuesday.

KEPA ARRIZABALAGA CAREER
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2011 2013 Basconia 31 0
2012 2016 Bilbao Athletic 50 0
2015 Ponferradina (loan) 20 0
20152016 Valladolid (loan) 39 0
2016 Athletic Bilbao 53 0
2017  Spain 

And he did go to the World Cup...

He was impressive on his debut in a friendly against Costa Rica before the tournament and he went to Russia as David De Gea’s understudy. 

He is highly thought of by current Real Madrid coach and then Spain boss Julen Lopetegui and there were even calls for Kepa to step in for De Gea after he blundered early in the tournament.

What’s his background?

Born in the fishing town of Ondarroa in the Bay of Biscay, he joined Athletic when he was 10-years-old. He played at every age group for the club, went out on loan to second division sides Ponferradina and Valladolid, and was then named as third keeper for the first team by Marcelo Bielsa in 2012. 

It was current Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde who gradually made him first choice so there are plenty of big-name coaches who have trusted him.

The 21-year-old shot-stopper has been described as 'very young, but very good' by Sarri

The 21-year-old shot-stopper signed a new deal at Athletic Bilbao this year, lasting until 2025

Is he the finished article?

No he needs to improve in the air but as he fills out and gains in confidence that is probably inevitable. He has also tried to dribble out from the back before for Spain Under 21s against Croatia and been caught out. 

And he made bad mistakes against Valencia early in the season, coming off of his line at the wrong time, but he recovered well in the following games, showing great mental strength.

But there is plenty of natural talent to work with...

Maurizio Sarri is a fan and even suggested him to Napoli. He won’t discourage that confidence to come out and offer himself to his defenders. His most impressive calling card is that list of clubs interested in taking him. 

As well as Real Madrid looking at him last season, Atletico Madrid had him down as their No 1 option should they lose Jan Oblak. Arsenal also took a look in the middle of last season. 

There is huge desire to improve. He is coming to make the Chelsea fans forget about Courtois and also to wrestle the Spain starting berth from De Gea.

Kepa is coming to Stamford Bridge to wrestle the Spain starting berth from David de Gea

Kepa is coming to Stamford Bridge to wrestle the Spain starting berth from David de Gea

That almost happened in Russia…

Yes he came close and he believes playing for Sarri in the most competitive league in the world will take him one step further, make new coach Luis Enrique want him as his No 1, and make former Spain coach Lopetegui regret the way Real Madrid ever let Zidane block the signing last January.

One last thing... how do you pronounce Arrizabalaga?

Everyone in Spain called him Kepa. Maybe just amend the old Azpilicueta song: Arrizabalaga, we just call him Kepa.