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Kepa Arrizabalaga: Chelsea goalkeeper closes in on Real Madrid loan move

Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is close to joining Real Madrid on loan.

Madrid's regular number one Thibaut Courtois, 31, has suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury and is set to miss the majority of the season.

Ex-Manchester United goalkepeer David de Gea, who is a free agent, had been linked with the Berneabeu but Kepa, 28, has emerged as Madrid's first choice.

Kepa faces competition at Chelsea from Spanish compatriot Robert Sanchez after his £25m switch from Brighton.

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino acknowledged on Friday that there would be "very good competition" between Kepa and Sanchez at Stamford Bridge.