Chelsea manager, Maurizio Sarri has given is approval on the signing of new goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Athletic Bilbao, saying he is a young goalkeeper and very very good.
The Italian manager who since joining the club, had the opportunity to see his full squad praised the qualities of the Spanish goalkeeper and cannot wait to work with such talent.
Sarri who had earlier said he does not like a player who is not committed while referring to the issue on Thibaut Courtois, said he met Kepa a year ago at Naples, and have watched him closely, and he can say that the 23-year old is very good and right for Chelsea. He said:
‘I saw him one year ago. My first impression was that he is a very good goalkeeper, very young, but very, very good.’
Chelsea on Tuesday, agreed a deal for Kepa after meeting the £71million buy-out clause, beating deadline date which closes on Thursday in England, and a way for the club to get immediate replacement for outgoing Courtois.
This news means the club is now set to let Thibaut Courtois leave for Real Madrid after the Belgian refused to turn up for training, missing the deadline given to players to return. He has since been fined £200,000 by the club and could face further disciplinary measures for trying to force a move and not honouring his contract with Chelsea.
Kepa whose transfer value was £18million in January and also signed with Real Madrid under Zidane is now the most expensive goalkeeper in the world with his Chelsea £71million move.
He is due for medicals on Wednesday, as preparation for his departure from Madrid are already underway, while Courtois could be heading the other way to join Real Madrid for £35million, with Mateo Kovacic also joining Chelsea on loan from Madrid.