The latest Chelsea transfer news includes a decision on Kepa Arrizabalaga to present more FFP problems for the Blues and a triple dilemma for Mauricio Pochettino

Chelsea will welcome Kepa Arrizabalaga back from his loan spell at Real Madrid this summer, with the Spanish giants having no intention of returning to try and permanently sign the goalkeeper. Following a turbulent 2022–23 season and the arrivals of Robert Sanchez and Dorde Petrovic, Kepa was allowed to depart, with Real Madrid signing him on loan after a long-term injury was picked up by Thibaut Courtois.

The Spain international has made 18 appearances since his temporary switch, despite looking as though he was set to become Pochettino’s No. 1 in west London. “We are so happy with him,” Pochettino told Chelsea’s official website in the summer. “He is showing great commitment in adapting to new demands from Toni, from the coaching staff, and from the goalkeeping coach. He and Hilario are working. We are so happy with him, and he is a fantastic keeper.”

Such were the high hopes Pochettino had for a Kepa. A report from the Evening Standard stated that Pochettino was keen to make Kepa ‘his no. 1’ with the belief he and goalkeeping coach Toni Jiménez could take him ‘to the next level’.

While they have not been able to work closely with him this season, Pochettino and his staff look set for the opportunity next season. According to Spanish outlet Relevo, Real Madrid are planning on trying to sign Kepa from Chelsea once his loan expires at the end of the 2023–24 season.

The Blues signed Kepa from Athletic Bilbao in 2018 for £72 million, and given his mixed spell at Stamford Bridge, recouping close to that amount looks unlikely. Given their financial fair play worries, even half of that total will likely be seen as an acceptable amount for Chelsea if they deem Kepa up for sale upon his return.

A departure for Kepa, despite Pochettino’s fondness for the player, looks likely given the recent arrivals of Sanchez and Petrovic. The former Brighton man started the campaign between the sticks, but an injury suffered against Everton in December has kept him out since.

In his absence, Petrovic has been significantly impressed, with many Chelsea fans believing he is deserving of keeping his place in the team. If that remains the case, Kepa could find himself as third-choice, which is unlikely to be something he is happy with, thus meaning an exit over the next few months is likely, just not back to Madrid.