Report: Chelsea prepared to pay Kepa's €80M release clause

Chelsea are ready to stump up the €80 million required to sign Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga before Thursday's transfer deadline, sources told ESPN FC's Liam Twomey.

With Thibaut Courtois insisting on a move to Real Madrid, the Blues have reportedly notified Bilbao they're prepared to activate Kepa's release clause.

The 23-year-old would surpass Alisson as the world's most expensive 'keeper if Chelsea complete the transfer.

Courtois' failure to report to training as scheduled on Monday forced Chelsea to consider their options. Stoke City shot-stopper Jack Butland and Atletico Madrid netminder Jan Oblak were also said to be under consideration.

However, Kepa emerged on Tuesday as a strong candidate to replace Courtois at Stamford Bridge. The one-time-capped Spanish international would cost Chelsea more than what they were willing to offer for Alisson, who eventually joined Liverpool for a €62.5-million fee.

Kepa turned down a move to Madrid last season and signed a new contract until June 2025 that raised his release clause from €20 million to €80 million.

Kepa, who was born and raised in the Basque Country, made his first-team debut with Bilbao in September 2016. In the 53 league matches he's played with his childhood club, he has developed a reputation for his accurate long balls and reaction saves.