The Brazil international has hailed the arrival of the Athletic Club goalkeeper as well as the club’s ability to keep hold of many of their star names
Chelsea defender David Luiz has backed Kepa Arrizabalaga to live up to his world-record price tag as he prepares to complete his move to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have agreed to pay the Athletic Club goalkeeper’s €80 million (£71m/$92m) release clause, with Kepa now set to become the world’s most expensive goalkeeper.
With Thibaut Courtois closing in on a move to Real Madrid, Kepa will step straight in as the club’s new No.1 under Maurizio Sarri.
And David Luiz insists the 23-year-old is exactly the kind of keeper the club needs if it is to continue winning silverware.
“He is a great keeper, that is why everybody is talking about him,” Luiz told reporters. “The financial side – every club in the world spends money, not just Chelsea.
“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.
“That has to be the mentality of every single player when you play for a big club like Chelsea. We are going to fight for that.”
Chelsea ended their preparations for the new season with a penalty shootout win over Lyon in the International Champions Cup on Tuesday – a game which marked the return of the likes of Eden Hazard, N’Golo Kante and Olivier Giroud following their World Cup exploits.
All three have been linked with moves away from the club this summer but look set to stay put ahead of Saturday’s Premier League opener against Huddersfield Town.
And the Brazil international is thrilled that Chelsea have been able to keep hold of many of their star names despite missing out on Champions League football last season.
“It’s good news,” he added. “I always say Chelsea have to keep their best players and if we keep them all it will be amazing for us.”
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