Athletic Bilbao says Kepa Arrizabalaga's buyout clause has been met as the goalkeeper prepares to join Chelsea.

The 23-year-old Spain international has been at Bilbao since 2004, rising through the youth ranks.

The Spanish club's statement on Wednesday did not mention Chelsea.

While not discussing the status of the transfer, Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri said Tuesday that Kepa is "very young, but very, very good."

Kepa emerged as a Chelsea target with Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who has been absent from training this week, expressing a desire to move to Real Madrid.