Courtois set for Real
Sky Sports is reporting that Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is expected to arrive in the Spanish capital tomorrow to complete a move to Real Madrid.
Belgium No.1 Courtois, 26, is keen on a move back to Madrid. He spent three seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid and his children live there too.
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Courtois has been absent from Chelsea’s pre-season training and Sky understands that he is in Belgium waiting for permission to travel to Spain to undergo a medical.
The Daily Telegraph reports that Real have offered £35m plus midfielder Mateo Kovacic on loan for Courtois.
Kepa to be Chelsea’s new keeper?
With Courtois likely to join Real Madrid, who will replace the Belgian at Stamford Bridge?
Top of the Blues’ target list is Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and The Guardian says the west London club will have to pay £71.6m for his services - a world-record transfer fee for a goalkeeper.
Kepa, 23, has been capped once by Spain but is considered one of the most promising goalkeepers in Europe. The Bilbao ace would also be a club record signing for Chelsea.
Spanish publication AS says that Kepa is travelling to London to finalise the deal and Sky Sports reports that Bilbao have confirmed his release clause has been activated.
Hazard set to stay
One Belgium star who looks likely to remain at Stamford Bridge is Eden Hazard. According to Sky Sports Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has hinted the playmaker will stay after holding talks with the 27-year-old.
Sarri said: “I don’t see a problem in this moment. I have spoken with Eden two or three times in the last two days. He has spoken of everything. I think this problem - the Hazard problem - is not present now.”
Hazard was linked with Real Madrid this summer as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, who signed for Juventus.
Milan target Bakayoko
AC Milan are keen on signing Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko on loan. Sky in Italy reports that any loan deal for the 23-year-old French international is likely to include an option to buy him on a permanent basis.
