Thibaut Courtois to join Real Madrid as Mateo Kovacic joins Chelsea on loan

Chelsea have confirmed they have reached an agreement with Real Madrid for the transfer of Thibaut Courtois.

It is believed Madrid will pay a fee in the region of €35m for the Belgian international.

Courtois will sign a six-year contract at the Bernabeu subject to agreeing personal terms and passing a medical.

Croatia international Mateo Kovacic will join the Blues on a season-long loan as part of the deal.

A statement released by Chelsea on Wednesday read: “Chelsea and Real Madrid have tonight agreed terms for the permanent transfer of Thibaut Courtois subject to the agreement of personal terms and passing a medical.

“Subject to the completion of the deal Mateo Kovacic will join the Blues on a season-long loan.”

Kovacic has been pushing to leave Madrid this summer after failing to establish himself in the squad.

Madrid confirmed Courtois will undergo his medical on Thursday before being unveiled to the club’s fans at the Bernabeu.

A statement read: “After the medical that will take place tomorrow, Thursday 9 August, the player will be presented at 1pm in the presidential box at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

“Subsequently, Courtois will go out on the pitch at the Santiago Bernabeu for the first time wearing the Real Madrid jersey and will speak to the media in the press room.”

Chelsea are expected to sign Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga as Courtois’ replacement at Stamford Bridge.

Bilbao announced on Wednesday that Kepa’s €80m buyout clause had been activated and his contract terminated – although there was no mention of Chelsea in the club’s official statement.

Such a fee would make the Spain international the most expensive goalkeeper in history, surpassing the €75m fee Liverpool paid to sign Alisson earlier this summer.

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