Courtois exit confirmed with Chelsea set to bring in Kepa and Kovacic

Thibaut Courtois is to join Real Madrid in a deal that will see Mateo Kovacic move to Chelsea on a season-long loan, it has been confirmed.

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

Courtois is moving for around £35m and Croatia midfielder Kovacic will be coming the other way.

A statement issued by Chelsea on Wednesday evening 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, meanwhile, confirmed Courtois will undergo a medical on Thursday morning before signing a six-year deal.

Chelsea are set to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga from Athletic Bilbao to replace him.

The Basque club confirmed earlier on Wednesday that the 23-year-old’s £71m release clause has been activated and his contract terminated, although there was no mention of Chelsea.

As is common practice in Spain, Kepa has effectively bought himself out of his contract, becoming a free agent. It paves the way for him to sign for the Blues.