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Kepa Arrizabalaga has admitted that he hopes to stay at Real Madrid beyond the duration of his loan deal.

The 28-year-old goalkeeper was loaned from Chelsea to Madrid on Monday after Thibaut Courtois suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in training.

Courtois is expected to miss the majority of the 2023/24 season.

Kepa's loan contract with Madrid is set to expire next summer but he made it clear during his presentation ceremony on Tuesday that his goal is to earn a permanent move to the Spanish capital.

"I hope that with my performances Real Madrid will decide to keep me after the loan," said Kepa. "This club is legendary."

Kepa then sent a message of support to Courtois, as well as Eder Militao and Arda Guler - who are also in rehab following serious injuries - before adding: "This is one of the most important and special days of my sporting career and of my life.

"I'm very proud to be at Real Madrid. I'll never be short of hard work, commitment and effort with this jersey, both in training and in matches.

"I hope that we can further add to Madrid's trophy cabinet and enrich the club's legend. Hala Madrid!"

Kepa's contract with Chelsea is not set to expire until June 2025.

But he was replaced as Chelsea's first-choice keeper by former Brighton stopper Robert Sanchez earlier this summer.

This article first appeared on FanNation Futbol and was syndicated with permission.

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