Blues also completed the signing of Jorginho last month
Chelsea made a slow start in the transfer window as they wanted to sort their managerial situation first. Maurizio Sarri was appointed as club’s new manager back in July after Antonio Conte was sacked despite his contract expiring next summer.
The 59 year old raided his former club Napoli to secure the signing of midfielder Jorginho, who became the Blue’s first signing this summer. The Italy International was close to joining Manchester City but his former manager persuaded him to move to Stamford Bridge.
The Premier League giants also completed the signing of midfielder Mateo Kovacic from Real Madrid on a season long loan. He was part of a deal which saw Thibaut Courtois going the other way for €35 million.
They also completed the signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Athletic Bilbao after activating his €80 million release clause, making him the world’s most expensive goalkeeper.
Sarri has praised club’s new signings Kepa and Kovacic but insisted that the young Spanish goalkeeper is not at the same level of Courtois right now. However, he considers the player as one of the most young goalkeepers in the world.
The Italian manager also admired the Croatia International’s technique and claimed his characteristics have turned the Blues into a complete squad.
Asked whether Kepa is at the same level as Courtois, He said as quoted by Metro: ‘Not at the moment for sure, but he is very young.
‘He is 23. I hope he can improve very fast. But for the moment he is not Courtois, of course.
‘Kovacic is a very technical player, [he’s able to] play between the lines of the opponent and I think for us it could be very important.
‘I am very happy for both. Because Courtois’ situation was clear. He wanted to go to Madrid so we lost maybe one of the most important goalkeepers in the world.
‘We bought a younger goalkeeper, one of the most important young goalkeepers in the world. Kovacic has the characteristics for us and now I think the squad is complete.’
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