Chelsea have agreed to pay a world record fee of £71m (€80m) to Athletic Bilbao for Kepa Arrizabalaga.
According to The Telegraph, Chelsea’s current goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, has been absent from the last two days of training in an attempt to force through his move to Real Madrid. As a result of his actions, Chelsea have had to act fast to find a replacement before the transfer window closes on Thursday (9th August).
With so little time remaining to find a world class replacement, Chelsea have had to pay Arrizabalaga’s full buy-out clause to speed things up.
Before now, Jack Butland, Jordan Pickford and Sergio Rico had all been on Chelsea’s radar, and would have been far cheaper alternatives, but Sarri was adamant that Courtois’ replacement had to be of the same calibre, or better.
The previous world record fee for a goalkeeper was set by Liverpool in July, when they signed Alisson from Roma for £66.8m.
The deal is set to be completed on Wedneday (8th August).