It looks like Chelsea are going to be this annual summer transfer window’s “busiest team on deadline day.” On Deadline Day Eve, it’s certainly Stamford Bridge who are making all the headlines. First off, they’re closing a deal to acquire Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, and the £71 million release clause they paid will make him the most expensive shot stopper in world football history.
Secondly, Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic is undergoing his Chelsea medical ahead of a season long loan move.
Kovacic is being offered “as part of a swap-deal for Thibaut Courtois,” Sky Sports reports.
Sky Sports also reports that the Belgium No. one will undergo his medical tomorrow and thus complete the switch. Other than all that though, it’s been pretty quiet!
Kovacic, who has been targeted by Manchester United this summer, is reportedly unhappy at the Bernabeu due to a lack of playing time and looking for a place where he can get more regular first team chances. How will the Croatian sensation fit in at the bridge?
It will be really interesting to watch, as the Blues have a lot of talent in midfield already, but of course also a new manager in Maurizio Sarri implementing a new system.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, is currently a regular contributor to SB Nation, WGN CLTV and Chicago Now.
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