Chelsea and Athletic Bilbao are in advanced talks to sign Bilbao’s 23-year-old goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Chelsea are reportedly going to make Arrizabalaga the most expensive goalkeeper in the world, with a transfer fee believed to around £71 million.

If this deal goes through, then Arrizabalaga would overtake Liverpool’s Alisson, who was bought by the Merseyside club for a whooping £66.8 million.

Chelsea and Belgium no.1 Thibaut Courtois is yet to return to training and has been linked with a move to Spain, with Real Madrid being the potential destination.

If reports are to be believed Courtois always wanted to settle down at Madrid after his loan spell with Atletico Madrid. His personal situation with his kids living with his former partner in Madrid, is reported to be a major reason for him to leave the London based club.

Courtois had previously rejected a new contract offer back in January.

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri, when asked about Arrizabalaga after Chelsea’s pre-season win over Lyon, said “I saw him one year ago. My first impression was that he is a very good goalkeeper, very young, but very, very good.”

If the deal goes through, Arrizabalaga would become the most expensive player for the Blues, surpassing Spanish striker Alvaro Morata, who was signed from Real Madrid for £58 million.

For the Spanish international side, Arrizabalaga plays second fiddle to Manchester United’s no.1 David de Gea.

Arrizabalaga has made 53 La Liga appearances for Bilbao’s first team in the past two seasons with the club.