Chelsea to pay world record for Kepa

Chelsea have agreed to pay the €80m (£71m) release clause of Athletic Club Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga in a world record goalkeeper fee.

The 23-year-old signed a seven-year contract at the San Mames in January following interest from Real Madrid, which hiked his release clause from €20m to €80m.

Diario AS led reports the shot-stopper was due to arrive in Madrid this week before flying to London to confirm his move to the FA Cup winners.

Such a move has been fuelled by the imminent exit of Thibaut Courtois, who looks set to sign for Real Madrid in a €35m deal.

Kepa joined the Basque club aged 10 and made 30 La Liga appearances last season as he continued to establish himself as the club’s number one.

“I saw him one year ago [when I was] at Naples, and my first impression was he was a very good goalkeeper,” said Sarri after Chelsea’s goalless draw with Lyon on Tuesday night.

“Very young, but very, very good.”

Kepa has won just one international cap for Spain, where he is understudy for David De Gea.

Tags Athletic Club Chelsea Kepa Arrizabalaga
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