£71m Signing Praised For Chelsea Form By Rival

Chelsea goalkeeper Willy Caballero has praised summer signing Kepa Arrizabalaga for his impact since he joined the club at the start of the season.

Argentine international Caballero praised his rival in an interview with Goal as he marvelled at how the Spanish international has been able to adapt to the rigours of the Premier League.

Former Malaga and Manchester City shot stopper Caballero further revealed that he thought Kepa will need some weeks or months before he would make his impact for the Blues in the top flight of English football.

Chelsea signed Kepa Arrizabalaga as a like-for-like replacement for Thibaut Courtois who left the West Londoners for Champions League holders Real Madrid last summer.

• Solskjaer hints De Gea’s stay after massive claim

Courtois had a year left on his current Chelsea contract and was offered an extension to stay at Stamford Bridge only for him to turn the offer down.

The Belgian international shot stopper thereafter forced his transfer to Real Madrid in a deal which saw the Blues receive £35m for him while 2018 FIFA World Cup star Mateo Kovacic joined Chelsea on loan for the rest of the season.

Chelsea paid around £71m to activate the release clause in Kepa Arrizabalaga’s contract at Athletic Bilbao thus making him the most expensive goalkeeper in the history of world football.