Chelsea have turned down an offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad for goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The Spanish shot-stopper spent last season on loan at Real Madrid but started just one game after January, losing his place in Carlo Ancelotti’s side to Andriy Lunin.
Arrizabalaga signed for Chelsea in a £72m world-record deal for a goalkeeper in 2018 but struggled to convince across five seasons in the Premier League.
Al-Ittihad have made an approach to sign the 29-year-old, who is set to leave Chelsea permanently this summer, but The Athletic have confirmed the club have seen their opening offer turned down.
The Saudi side are stepping up their efforts in the transfer window after a disappointing domestic campaign and have completed a deal for Roma midfielder Houssem Aouar. There is also interest from Al-Ittihad in Manchester United midfielder Casemiro and Aston Villa winger Moussa Diaby.
A return to Real Madrid remains an option for Arrizabalaga, though only if Lunin leaves in search of first-team football. Thibaut Courtois’ return from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury has led to suggestions Lunin could seek an exit for a more prominent role, having impressed in the Belgian’s absence in 2023-24.
