Chelsea have found their replacement for Thibaut Courtois after agreeing a world record deal for Atheltic Bilbao’s Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The highly-rated 23-year-old, somewhat ironically, almost joined Real himself in January before the deal fell through – now he is on his way to Stamford Bridge to replace Courtois.

Courtois – who has jut 12-months left on his contract with Chelsea – is getting his wish of a move to the Spanish capital, where he will be reunited with his children.

Chelsea have been searching the world for a new number one, and have looked at a host of names including Petr Cech, Kasper Schmeichel, Jordan Pickford and Jan Oblak.

England international Jack Butland had emerged as the fall back option, but he will now not be needed after they managed to seal a deal for Kepa – who will cost more than £70million, and will be a new world record – only recently set by Liverpool when they splashed out £62million on Alisson – who Chelsea had also looked at.

Kepa abona la cláusula de rescisión https://t.co/945I0Y8ILC #AthleticClub

— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) August 8, 2018

Kepa is now due to head to London to complete the formalities of his move. Courtois will in return be heading to Madrid, although unlike Chelsea – Real don’t have to get that deal done by Thursday, as their deadline runs until the end of the month.

Bookmakers believe that Courtois is nearly a done deal, and BetVictor make him 1/6 to join Real Madrid

BetVictor’s Head of ante post Football Michael Triffitt commented: “Chelsea stopper Thibaut Courtois is 1/6 from 1/4 to make a summer move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.”