‘Welcome’ – Chelsea Readying Audacious Move For £71m-rated Star, He Will Earn £100,000-a-week

Chelsea are planning an audacious swoop for Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, according to reports.

The Blues have been faced with the challenge of keeping their number one goalie, Thibaut Courtois at the club, amid speculations that the Belgian wants to leave the club for Real Madrid before the end of the summer transfer window.

Courtois has refused to report for Chelsea training, outstaying his vacation in order to force through a move away from the Stamford Bridge.

Blues boss Maurizio Sarri had earlier told newsmen that he will wait till the goalie arrives for training before making a decision on whether to buy another keeper or not. However, the latest development points to the fact that, Courtois is ready to leave Chelsea for another club this summer.

Reports in Spanish outlets, AS and Marca are now reporting that Chelsea are targeting Bilbao’s goalkeeper, Arrizabalanga who has a release clause of £71m.

The reports also claim that Chelsea are ready to give the young keeper a £100,000 per week contract for the next five years.

The Bilbao keeper was part of the Spanish national team that went to the World Cup in Russia, but did not make any appearance despite protests from the fans, wanting him to start ahead of David De Gea in goal.