“I will cut my wages & leave Chelsea” – Chelsea Star tells Enzo Maresca he wants Real Madrid move
In a determined drive to rejoin Real Madrid, Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is apparently willing to accept a wage drop to assist the deal.
The 29-year-old Spaniard, who became the most expensive goalkeeper in history when he joined Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao for £72 million in 2018, is eager to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
Kepa made a good impression at the Bernabeu during his loan there last season.
According to recent rumors from the Spanish news site AS, the goalie is willing to accept a large wage reduction in order to complete the transfer to Real Madrid permanently.
Currently earning around £150,000 per week, Kepa’s desire to reunite with Carlo Ancelotti underscores his commitment to securing a spot with the La Liga giants.
The departures of players such as Thiago Silva, Hakim Ziyech, and Lewis Hall have brought in approximately £89 million, balancing the books and enabling the club to operate within Profit and Sustainability regulations.
This financial prudence has allowed Chelsea to pursue new signings like Tosin Adarabioyo and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall without excessive spending.
However, the club is still keen to offload more players to further trim their wage bill and make room for new additions.
Romelu Lukaku, who commands a hefty £325,000 per week, is among those Chelsea are eager to move, with interest reportedly coming from AC Milan and Napoli.
Other potential departures include Armando Broja, Malang Sarr, and Trevoh Chalobah.
Kepa’s potential exit would significantly contribute to Chelsea’s wage restructuring.
The goalkeeper’s willingness to take a pay cut reflects his determination to return to Real Madrid, a club where he feels he can reignite his career after a challenging spell in the Premier League.
While Kepa has also attracted interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, an initial bid was rejected by Chelsea.
This leaves the door open for Real Madrid, especially as they assess their options with current keeper Andriy Lunin’s contract situation still unresolved.
As the transfer deadline approaches on August 30, Chelsea’s co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley will be working diligently to finalize the squad’s composition.
The club’s strategic approach to the transfer market this summer reflects a blend of financial discipline and targeted strengthening, aiming to support Enzo Maresca’s vision for the upcoming season.