Real Madrid have inched closer to securing their primary target, with reports of personal terms being agreed with Chelsea superstar Thibaut Courtois.
Real Madrid finally have some positive news as regards their search for a new first-choice goalkeeper. According to Daily Mail, Chelsea superstar Thibaut Courtois has agreed personal terms with the European champions ahead of a potential move back to the Spanish capital.
Thibaut Courtois had already made his intentions to leave Chelsea public during his interview after the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The Belgian seemed to be hinting at a move to a new club along with his international and club teammate Eden Hazard.
But, it seems the goalkeeper will be granted his wish to return to the city of Madrid first, with Real Madrid looking at other relatively cheaper options to Eden Hazard in the current transfer market.
Thibaut Courtois rose to fame during his three-year stint with Atletico Madrid before returning to Chelsea. The stopper took no time in becoming the first-choice keeper at Stamford Bridge and has since established himself as one of the best in not just the Premier League but the world.
But, Courtois has always iterated his desire to return to his family in the city of Madrid. While Chelsea began negotiations over an extension, the Belgian rejected the notion over differences as regards certain terms and wages. With Courtois not paying heed to Chelsea’s extension offers, the club have also softened their transfer stance.
Sarri’s arrival did give Chelsea and their fans a ray of hope that the Italian would be able to convince Courtois and Hazard to stay put. But, as it seems, Courtois has agreed personal terms with Real Madrid. All that is left, supposedly, is the agreement between the two clubs over transfer fee.
While a €35 million fee has been quoted recently, Chelsea will be looking to rake in more than that, considering what Liverpool just paid for Alisson.
Chelsea have signed Robert Green on a free transfer. But, the 38-year-old is unlikely to serve as a replacement for Thibaut Courtois. This means that Chelsea will now have to move for one of their preferred targets, with the club looking at domestic replacements for the Belgian.
What seems certain is Courtois is edging towards what could be called a dream move to Real Madrid, who will be relieved at finally being able to land one of their priority targets.
