---
title: "Chelsea open talks for Kepa deal"
canonical: "https://readchelsea.com/2018/08/07/chelsea-open-talks-for-kepa-deal/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ryan Darby"
section: "Chelsea News"
published: "2018-08-07T13:16:55Z"
modified: "2018-08-07T13:16:55Z"
---

# Chelsea open talks for Kepa deal

Chelsea have reportedly opened talks with Athletic Bilbao over a potential deal to sign Kepa.

[According to El Correo](https://athletic.elcorreo.com/chelsea-comunica-kepa-20180807143123-nt.html), the Blues have made the player aware of their interest and their intentions to activate his €80 million release clause.

The report claims that talks between the two clubs are now open, with the player needing to be convinced about a move.

![Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/654831718.jpg)

Reports that emerged this morning suggested that the Spanish keeper was one of the many players [shortlisted to replace](https://readchelsea.com/2018/08/07/athletics-kepa-linked-with-chelsea-move/) Thibaut Courtois.

The Belgian goalkeeper is currently away from the club after failing to report for training in a bid to force through a move to Real Madrid.

During Zinedine Zidane’s time in charge of the Champions League winners, it was believed that Kepa could be the long-term replacement for Keylor Navas, but they have since turned their attention back towards Courtois, who has long been angling for a return to Spain.