Kepa clause paid to clear way for Chelsea switch - reports

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Chelsea's world-record move for Athletic Bilbao keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is closer to fruition after he reportedly settled his release fee.

Kepa Arrizabalaga's world-record move to Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao appeared to move a step closer on Wednesday.

According to multiple reports in Spain, Kepa's representative Margarita Garay of the Bahia Internacional agency attended LaLiga's offices along with the player's lawyers to pay his €80million release clause.

The figure, which was written into the seven-and-a-half-year contract extension Kepa signed with Athletic in January, will make the Spain international the most expensive goalkeeper in football history – surpassing the £65m Liverpool paid Roma for Alisson earlier this transfer window.

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Kepa's expected arrival in London ahead of Thursday's Premier League deadline is set to pave the way for Thibaut Courtois to complete his long-mooted move to Real Madrid.