Bilbao's Kepa set to replace Courtois at chelsea

Bilbao's Kepa set to replace Courtois at chelsea

Kepa Arrizabalaga

Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is said to replace Chelsea’s courtois for 80 million euros (£71.6 million, $92.7 million), according to Spanish media reports on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old Spaniard would be the most expensive goalkeeper in history and the replacement for Belgian Thibaut Courtois, who is on his way out of Stamford Bridge.

Kepa- Athletico Bilbao

Courtois had been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid and is expected that the move be will complete after his Agent stressed that his client will be living Stamford bridge for Santiago Bernabéu. 

Reported from Sports daily Marca claimed that Chelsea would meet the 80-million-euro release clause in Kepa's contract, beating the record transfer fee of 75 million euros which Liverpool paid Roma for Brazilian Alisson earlier in the close season.

Marca's competitor AS said that "negotiations are very close to closing".

 

 "If everything goes according to plan, Kepa will travel to London to be presented as a new Blues player on Wednesday or early Thursday." 

Kepa has played 53 times in La Liga for Bilbao over the last two seasons, and made his international debut in a 5-0 friendly win over Costa Rica in November 2017.

 

He was also in the Spain squad for the recent World Cup in Russia as back-up to David De Gea, but remained an unused substitute throughout the tournament.

Meanwhile, Spanish media have also claimed that Chelsea could be set to bring in midfielder Mateo Kovacic on loan from Real Madrid after his efforts in helping Croatia reach the World Cup final.

 

Chelsea are hoping to recover after a disappointing Premier League title defence last season saw them finish fifth and fail to qualify for the Champions League.