Chelsea transfer news: Mateo Kovacic arrives on season-long loan

The Croatian midfielder arrives as part of the deal that sees goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois move to the Bernabeu

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic on a season-long loan.

The Croatian midfielder arrives as part of the deal that sees goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois move to the Bernabeu.

The 24-year-old told the European champions he wanted to leave in search of first-team football with the Blues moving quickly to secure his services for the season.

"I am really happy and excited to be here at Chelsea. It is an amazing feeling," he said. "I will try to do my best for this club.

"It is a new league for me, the beginning is always tough but I am sure the coach and my new team-mates will help me and I am looking forward to a great season."

It is understood there is not an option included for the deal to be made permanent.

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia added: "We are very happy to welcome Mateo to the Chelsea family. He is a perfect fit for us this season, his style is well suited to how Maurizio wants to play and we are sure he will prove to be a valuable asset for the club."

Kovacic joins Kepa Arrizabalaga and Jorginho as the third signing of the Maurizio Sarri era at Stamford Bridge.

The 23-year-old goalkeeper arrived from Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday evening as Courtois finally sealed his protracted move back to the Spanish capital.

Kepa, a Spanish international, joins for a world-record £71m fee eclipsing the £67m Liverpool paid Roma for Alisson earlier this summer.