Chelsea Football Club have confirmed that Spanish international goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga has joined the Club.
Kepa, 23, has signed from La Liga side Athletic Bilbao after his release clause of €80 million (£71.6 million) was triggered. The goalkeeper underwent his medical on Wednesday morning and has signed a seven year contract at Stamford Bridge.
Director Marina Granovskaia had this to say about Chelsea’s new addition:
‘Kepa is a talent we have admired for a long time and we are extremely excited about his arrival. 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 and we look ahead to the coming seasons with an enormous sense of optimism.’
Arrizabalaga is the replacement for Belgian goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois. Courtois has made a £35 million move to European Champions, Real Madrid.
Kepa featured for the Bilbao reserve team before gaining experience on loan at Ponferradina and Real Valladolid. The 23-year-old made 54 appearances for Bilbao’s first team, keeping 15 clean sheets. Kepa only signed a contract extension which was not due to expire until June 2025.
Bienvenido Kepa!
