Thibaut Courtois told Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri that he wants to leave the club earlier this week.
The Belgian goalkeeper has long been linked to succeed Keylor Navas as the new no. 1 at Real Madrid. After months of speculation over the move, it finally looks like the deal is going through.
Sky reports that Real Madrid expect Thibaut Courtois to arrive on Thursday to complete his move to Santiago Bernabeu.
SKY SOURCES: Real Madrid expect Thibaut Courtois to arrive in Madrid on Thursday ahead of proposed move from Chelsea. #SSN pic.twitter.com/aNFwRw3ZFo
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) 8 August 2018
Real Madrid previously attempted to sign another top Premier League goalkeeper David De Gea, but the deal fell through on transfer deadline day. Courtois, however, has publicly stated his desire to move to Madrid.
In a press conference before the World Cup, Courtois insisted that he would want to shift near his family, who currently resides in Madrid.
Chelsea have been actively linked with Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, and the club has today activated his release clause.
WATCH: Athletic Bilbao have confirmed Kepa Arrizabalaga’s release clause has been activated amid interest from Chelsea pic.twitter.com/Nz5jDiIvrp
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) 8 August 2018
Thibaut Courtois earlier met the new Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri after his arrival at London on Monday. He communicated his decision to leave with the manager.
Chelsea finished fifth in the Premier League last season, and as a result the club parted ways with Antonio Conte. Real Madrid, meanwhile, lifted the Champions League for the third consecutive time in 2017-18.
Courtois has previously played in Spain for Real Madrid’s city rivals, Atletico Madrid.
