When Thibaut Courtois got injured before the season had even started, Real Madrid appeared to be in trouble. The club did not go out and sign another goalkeeper permanently to take the Belgian's place between the posts permanently, but they did bring in Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea in a move not many would have seen coming.
Kepa had been heavily criticised throughout his time at Chelsea and never lived up to the hype that had surrounded him when the Blues signed him for a record £72 million transfer fee. But one cannot deny that the Spaniard has done a very good job since coming in.
There has been talk of Real Madrid potentially signing him on a permanent basis next summer. They do not have an option to buy included in the deal though.
So, the club need to have alternative targets. And it looks like Real Madrid have their eyes on three goalkeepers as potential replacements for Kepa.
Real Madrid eye €40 million goalkeeper to replace Kepa
As reported by Fichajes, Real Madrid are evaluating possible replacements for Kepa. They are considering the option of signing three goalkeepers: Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia, Matheus from Braga and Randall Rodriguez from Penarol.
Real Madrid were linked with a move for Mamardashvili before they signed Kepa. Rumours suggested that the club had wanted the Valencia goalkeeper on a loan deal that included an option to buy.
Of course, one cannot discount the chances of Andriy Lunin staying on either. The 24-year-old was expected to leave in the summer, having struggled for playing time. But due to Kepa's recent injury, he has gotten a run of games as the starting goalkeeper and done a fantastic job, exceeding all expectations. So much so that many believe that he should be the starter until Courtois returns.