Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has paid his own €80 million (£71.5m) buyout clause, thus terminating his contract with the club. An official statement sent out by Athletic has confirmed this. Of course, it’s really Chelsea FC who are picking up the tab, and with that hefty sum, they’ll make Arrizabalaga the most expensive goalkeeper in history.
The previous record was set just three weeks ago when Liverpool signed Alisson Becker from AS Roma for £67 million. The Guardian reports that Arrizabalaga is in London to undergo his Chelsea medical on Wednesday afternoon.
With the summer transfer window ending in a little over 24 hours, Stamford Bridge had to act quickly to get this move certified.
The club statement issued by Athletic reads:
“On Wednesday 8 August, 2018, at 12:02 hours, the Spanish Football League [LFP] has certified to our club that player Kepa Arrizabalaga has complied with the requirements to end unilaterally his contract that linked him with Athletic Club,”
“The cited note points out that the player has stated his wish to end and resolve unilaterally his contractual relationship that had started in the 2004/05 campaign and has deposited the compensation fee that was established in his contract. Athletic thank the player for his contribution throughout the time he has been at the club.”
The 23-year-old, who has been a part of Athletic since age 10, is considered one of the most promising young goalkeepers in all of Europe. His move gives Chelsea cover as current No. 1 Thibaut Courtois continues his preseason holdout, as he attempts to force his move to Real Madrid. The latest reports indicate that he is set to undergo his medical in Madrid tomorrow.
The current European champions have until August 31 to add the Belgian superstar, as the La Liga transfer window remains open until the end of the month. Additionally, as part of the Courtois swap deal, Real Madrid has agreed to send midfielder Mateo Kovacic out on loan to west London for the season.
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