Chelsea prepared to make star man best-paid in his position

Chelsea are prepared to make Thibaut Courtois the best-paid goalkeeper in the world in a bid to retain the Belgian’s services, reports the Telegraph. 

The Blues are desperate to keep Courtois, with his current deal running until 2019, but are becoming increasingly confident the goalkeeper will put pen to paper on a new contract. 

The deal on the table would extend the Belgium international’s current contract until 2023 and would trump the £200,000 a week Manchester United currently pay David De Gea. 

Chelsea are focusing their efforts on keeping Courtois, with Real Madrid pursuing other targets, notably Athletic Club star Kepa Arrizabalaga. 

The young Spaniard has also been linked with Chelsea, but it looks as though Los Blancos will win the race for the Athletic shotstopper. 

It’s seen the Blues put any interest in any potential replacements on hold for the time being, with the defending champions also linked with a move for Jack Butland as a possible successor for Courtois. 

Courtois is keen to one day return to Madrid, where he spent three years on loan with Atletico Madrid, yet Chelsea are optimistic a deal can be done to keep him at Stamford Bridge.