It is reported that crunch talks are now underway between English giants Chelsea and European champions Real Madrid over an unexpected swap deal involving two stars.
Deals between Chelsea and Real have become quite common, with the clubs having consistently traded players over the years, including the likes of Ricardo Carvalho, Michael Essien, Eden Hazard, Thibaut Courtois, Mateo Kovacic, and Antonio Rudiger.
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Last season, another Blues star joined Los Blancos, with goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga completing a season-long loan move to provide cover for Courtois, who was injured at the time.
The 29-year-old made 20 appearances under coach Carlo Ancelotti, with the bulk of them coming in the first half of the season before he lost his place to Andriy Lunin.
The Ukrainian has served as Courtois' deputy for a handful of seasons, but during the second half of 2023/24, the shot-stopper impressed in the Belgian's absence as he made 31 appearances – the most he has ever played for Real in a single campaign.
His performances led to some suggestions that he could sign a new deal at the Santiago Bernabeu, which would keep him at the club beyond June 2025 when his current contract expires.
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However, an alternative plan has now reportedly emerged, and the Ukraine international could now be heading to the Premier League.
According to Spanish outlet AS, Chelsea and Real are in talks over a sensational swap deal involving Arrizabalaga and Lunin, with both players have one year left on their contracts.
It is reported that the Spain international is desperate to return to Madrid on a permanent basis, and that the 29-year-old is even willing to take a pay cut to make the move happen.
Furthermore, however, it is said that Real want a fee added to the swap agreement.
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