Latest reports in The Telegraph suggests that Chelsea have completed the signing of Athletic Bilbao‘s custodian Kepa Arrizabalaga. We can be in for some frantic action in the transfer market in as Thibaut Courtois is forcing a move out as he failed to appear for two training sessions in a row after the World Cup. It is clear that his mind is already set at a move to Real Madrid and his departure is likely to be confirmed in a few days.
That leaves Chelsea with very little time in the transfer market to find his replacement but they seem to have come out triumphant as they have now triggered Arrizabalaga’s buyout clause which is set at £71.6 m. This will be the all-time record transfer fee for the Blues and it will also eclipse Alisson Becker’s record of being the most expensive goalkeeper.
Bilbao were in no mood to sell their player under any circumstances and as a result, the West London outfit had to trigger his release clause in order to land him.
Maurizio Sarri was asked about the Spanish goalkeeper and he said,”I saw him one year ago [when I was at] Naples and my first impression was he was a very good goalkeeper. Very young, but very, very good.” The 23-year-old made it to Spain’s squad for the World Cup and is seen as a big talent in his native country.
The Blues will be extremely busy in the last few days as they also want to include Mateo Kovacic in Courtois’ deal. They want the midfielder on a season-long loan with an option to buy him later. Courtois has dealt the Pensioners a rough deal as at the last moment in the transfer period, he has gone rogue and as a result, the Blues are left to spend £71m to land his replacement.
