Premier League: Real Madrid seal move for star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois as Chelsea line up replacement

CHELSEA haven’t wasted any time to finding a replacement for Thibaut Courtois, who is getting his dream move to Real Madrid in a deal that will see midfielder Mateo Kovacic head to the London club.

Thibaut Courtois got his switch to Spain and Real Madrid ... eventually. Picture: AFP.

THIBAUT Courtois is getting his dream move to Real Madrid in a deal that will see Mateo Kovacic head to Chelsea on a season-long loan.

After months of speculation surrounding the Belgium goalkeeper, the 26-year-old has got wish to swap Stamford Bridge for the Bernabeu.

Courtois only had a year left on his deal and has been absent from training this week as he looked to push through a move before the transfer window ended for Chelsea on Thursday night (EST).

Thibaut Courtois got his switch to Spain and Real Madrid ... eventually. Picture: AFP.

The world-record deal for Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has paved the way for his exit, allowing him to move for a reported $61 million) as Croatia midfielder Kovacic heads the other way.

A statement from Chelsea 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.”

Real Madrid have confirmed that Courtois will undergo a medical before signing a six-year deal.

Kovacic will join Chelsea on loan until June 30, 2019 as part of the deal, with the Croatia international spending a season away from the club he joined from Inter Milan in 2015.

Despite that impressive signing, Maurizio Sarri’s main acquisition before the deadline is set to be Kepa.

Chelsea have signed Kepa Arrizabalaga to a seven-year deal. Picture: AFP.

Athletic confirmed earlier this week that the 23-year-old’s release clause of $123 million was activated and his contract terminated, although made no mention of Chelsea.

The fee is a world record for a goalkeeper, surpassing the $113 million paid by Liverpool to Roma for Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker last month.

Chelsea open their Premier League campaign at Huddersfield on Sunday morning (EST), having suffered a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Community Shield last weekend.

Napoli midfielder Jorginho made his debut in the Wembley defeat, while former England goalkeeper Robert Green is the only other notable first-team signing so far this summer.