Real Madrid make U-turn on former player as Perez eyes Andriy Lunin replacement

According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid have made a shocking U-turn with a former player as Florentino Perez seeks the perfect Andriy Lunin replacement...
Real Madrid UEFA Champions League Trophy Parade
Real Madrid UEFA Champions League Trophy Parade / Eurasia Sport Images/GettyImages
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Real Madrid have high ambitions for the summer transfer window. In many ways, they have already met most club's ambitions by signing Kylian Mbappe and Endrick at this stage. However, as a manager who is proud but never satisfied, Carlo Ancelotti would like to make at least one more deal before the summer transfer window ends (with there still being plenty of time).

It would come as no surprise to see a goalkeeper come in. After all, Andriy Lunin is unsettled at the club and after he didn't make an appearance in the UEFA Champions League final despite his involvement in the competition previously, it is no surprise to see him seeking a move away.

At this stage, Andriy Lunin is still yet to find another club. However, Arsenal are eying a potential move for the Ukraine international, depending on how open Real Madrid are to selling him.

Real Madrid make U-turn on former player as Andriy Lunin replacement

According to a report by Relevo (h/t Madrid Zone), Real Madrid are now considering keeping Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan, if Andriy Lunin leaves this summer.

In many ways, it does make sense to keep Kepa Arrizabalaga. After all, the Spanish goalkeeper is lost and without direction at Chelsea. He had some good performances with Real Madrid and he would feel assured that his position in the pecking order would improve if Lunin leaves this summer.

That said, it must be noted that this is just a short-term fix to a long-term problem. Courtois is just 32 years old, which is relatively young for a goalkeeper. Therefore, the chance of Kepa being viewed as a long-term replacement for Courtois is very thin. Unless he gets regular minutes in Madrid, Kepa would feel unsettled too.

Long-term, it would be great to see Real Madrid sign a young goalkeeper, who would be willing to learn under Thibaut Courtois. The said player must be content with not getting as many minutes but have great ambition to make the first-team after Courtois retires. In many ways, the youth academy is a good place to look for this future star.

Of course, the best option is to keep ahold of Andriy Lunin. However, given his discontent about being the backup option, this scenario is looking less and less likely. Time will tell how this story progresses.

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Do you think Real Madrid should keep Kepa Arrizabalaga if Andriy Lunin leaves?