Real Madrid goalkeeper is reportedly set complete a move to Manchester City in the summer.
Spanish publication Don Balon have reported that Real Madrid have accepted an offer to sell Keylor Navas to Manchester City in the summer transfer window.
Navas has been the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper at Real Madrid, since making the switch to the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer of 2014. However, after two strong campaigns, his performances have taken a dip in 2016/17 and the Costa Rican has endured a topsy turvy season thus far.
Navas has produced some impeccable performances at times, but he has also been susceptible to uncharacteristic errors. The shot stopper has only been able to keep 7 clean sheets in 40 appearances across all competitions, conceding 49 goals in the process.
Widespread reports that David De Gea could be on his way to Real Madrid in the summer haven’t helped the Costa Rican International’s case either, and if the newly-crowned La Liga champions are able to land the Spain number one, their current first-choice is likely to be on his way out of the Bernabeu.
If that were to be the case, Keylor’s next destination is likely to be the Etihad Stadium, with Pep Guardiola keen on signing the goalkeeper in the summer. The Spaniard signed Claudio Bravo from Barcelona last summer to replace Joe Hart between the sticks for the Citizens.
However, the move has turned out to be anything but a success for City and Guardiola, as Bravo has struggled to settle in the Premier League and has failed to live up to his billing thus far.
The Chilean’s deputy, Willy Caballero, too, has been unconvincing in goal, whenever given an opportunity and is unlikely to be the first-choice next campaign, even if his contract is extended beyond the summer.
Meanwhile, Joe Hart’s Manchester City career seems to be all but over, with the Englishman, himself, admitting that he is unlikely to play for the club again. With the club in serious need to recruit a top quality goalkeeper in the summer, Guardiola has now turned his attention to Navas.
And as per the report, Real Madrid are prepared to sell Navas to City in the summer. All that remains now is for City to agree personal terms with the shot stopper.
A possible deal, though, is likely to hinge on De Gea securing a move to Real Madrid, and it will be interesting to see how things develop in the coming weeks with the transfer window set to open in June.
