Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Chelsea.
In recent weeks, Arrizabalaga has been linked with a number of European football's biggest clubs, with Real Madrid, Juventus and Arsenal all being credited with an interest in the 23-year-old's signature.
However, according to El Chiringuito, Chelsea are preparing an approach for his services, with the newly-capped Spanish international's contract expiring in the summer.
Blues head coach Antonio Conte already has Thibaut Courtois at his disposal, but it has previously been claimed that the Belgian stopper may hold a desire to return to Madrid - where he has represented Atletico - in the foreseeable future.
With Arrizabalaga unlikely to pen a new deal, Bilbao must decide whether to cash in on their most valuable asset in January or watch him leave on a free during the summer.
Azzirabalaga has made 34 appearances for Bilbao since emerging through the youth ranks at the La Liga outfit.
Darren Plant
