Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga’s world-record move to Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao appeared to move a step closer on Wednesday.

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According to multiple reports in Spain, Kepa’s representative Margarita Garay of the Bahia Internacional agency visited La Liga’s offices along with the player’s lawyers to pay his €80-million release clause.

The figure, which was written into the seven-and-a-half-year contract extension Kepa signed with Athletic in January, will make the Spain international the most expensive goalkeeper in football history – surpassing the £65m Liverpool paid Roma for Alisson earlier this transfer window.

Kepa’s expected arrival in London ahead of Thursday’s Premier League deadline is set to pave the way for Thibaut Courtois to complete his long-mooted move to Real Madrid.