David Luiz backed to succeed as Chelsea’s new first-choice goalkeeper after the club met the Spaniard’s transfer release clause to pave the way for his move to London.
It was confirmed by Bilbao on Wednesday that Kepa’s €80million release clause had been triggered, but Blues centre-back David Luiz believes the fee is immaterial.
Kepa is expected to become Chelsea’s number one with Thibaut Courtois edging closer to a move to Real Madrid.
David Luiz expressed his admiration for Kepa, telling reporters: “He is a great keeper, that is why everybody is talking about him.
“The numbers don’t matter, we are happy because Chelsea are always doing the best for the club.
“When you play for Chelsea you have to think about titles, it doesn’t matter the name of the competition. We have to always try to win.
Kepa came up through Athletic’s youth ranks and gained experience on loan at Ponferradina and Real Valladolid before making 53 LaLiga appearances in his last two seasons.
Athletic midfielder Ander Iturraspe paid tribute to his departing team-mate, but said the team would remain competitive in his absence as they aim to improve on last season’s 16th-place finish.
“It is a shame but this goes on,” Iturraspe told reporters. “We have two other goalkeepers.
“I wish Kepa the best of the world.
“Everyone has their priorities. Some of them leave, others stay. Important players have left and we have had good results, except last season.”
After appearing for the under-18s, Arrizabalaga was called up to the under-19 team for that year’s UEFA European Championship. He was an undisputed starter during the tournament, as his side were crowned champions; highlights included a 3–3 semi-final success against France, where he saved two penalties in the shootout.
Arrizabalaga missed the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup due to injury, being replaced by Rubén Yáñez. On 8 November 2013 he was called up to the under-21 team, along with Athletic teammate Iker Muniain.Arrizabalaga was called up to the senior side on 22 March 2017 ahead of a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Israel and a friendly with France, as a late replacement for the injured Pepe Reina.
He earned his first cap on 11 November of that year, playing the full 90 minutes in a 5–0 friendly win over Costa Rica in Málaga.
Arrizabalaga was named in Spain’s 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.