London, Thibaut Courtois’ desire to return to

Madrid has forced Chelsea to dip into the transfer market to sign a

replacement goalkeeper, and the Blues have officially announced the

signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga on a seven-year contract.

The Spanish stopper heads to Stamford Bridge after the English

club deposited his 80 million euro buyout clause with the player

himself.

This fee sees Kepa become the most expensive goalkeeper in

history, breaking the record set in July by Liverpool’s purchase of

Alisson Becker.

After depositing the money, the former Athletic Club stopper

headed for London where he completed the formalities of the deal and

posed with the club’s shirt.

“It’s a very important decision for me, for my career and for my personal

life,” he explained to Chelsea’s club website.

“Many things attracted me to this club, all the titles the club has won,

the other players, the city and the Premier League.

“I’m very glad Chelsea has decided to trust me and to take me in as

well.”

Marina Granovskaia has endured a torrid summer with regards

to recruitment, however, with the Blues having avoided losing Eden

Hazard, replacing the outgoing Courtois and also secured Mateo

Kovacic on a year-long loan, the summer is certainly looking brighter.

“Kepa is a talent we have admired for a long time and we’re extremely

excited about his arrival,” she intimated to Chelsea’s official website.

“He has already demonstrated fantastic quality and consistency and

will be a big part of any success Chelsea have in the coming years.

“His long-term contract reflects the belief we have in him,” the Spanish

MARCA newspaper reported.

Source: Oman News Agency