Real Madrid are set to make a move for Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, according to Marca. Reports suggest that the highly rated youngster has a £17million release clause in his contract which Real are happy to meet.
Arrizabalaga made his league debut for Bilbao back in September 2016, and has produced an excellent 40 saves in 12 league starts for Athletic. His current deal at Athletic Bilbao is due to expire in the summer but Los Blancos are reported to want to get the deal done in January rather than wait the extra six months.
Marca were so confident that the deal would happen that they decided to run with the story on their front page. Arrizabalaga has a big reputation and he is currently former Real target David de Gea’s understudy in the Spanish national team. If Arrizabalaga signs, it would likely spell the end of any interest in Manchester United’s de Gea.
Navas’ Place Under Threat
Keylor Navas would be the player that suffers most from Arrizabalaga arriving at the Bernabeu as he would be losing his place in the starting 11. Navas however doesn’t seem too worried about the reports. He told Fox Deportes:
“I don’t feel I need to prove anything to anyone, I just have to enjoy my career and relish what it is to be at Real Madrid.
“One doesn’t know what is going to happen in the future but I’m the one who is here now. I have to be calm and enjoy myself.”
Zidane’s men play Athletic Bilbao this weekend but Arrizabalaga is unlikely to play any part due to a minor injury.
Real have also been linked with a move for Chelsea defender David Luiz in the January transfer window so it could be a busy month of transfers for Zinedine Zidane and Florentino Pérez.
