Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper, Kepa set to join Chelsea as Courtois replacement

Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is set to join Chelsea for 80 million euros ( £ 71 . 6 million , $ 92 . 7 million ) , according to Spanish media reports on Tuesday .
The 23 – year -old , who has been capped once by Spain , would be the most expensive goalkeeper in history and the replacement for Belgian Thibaut Courtois, who is expected to leave Stamford Bridge for Real Madrid .

Sports daily Marca reported 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 .

“ The British club have chosen Kepa as a replacement for Courtois, who in the next few hours will become a new Real Madrid player , ” wrote Marca .

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 . ”

Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo also reported that Kepa would be signing for Maurizio Sarri ’ s Chelsea .

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 did not get any playing time .

( AFP )

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