Real Madrid are reportedly set to offer Kepa Arrizabalaga a €20 million sign-on bonus to leave Athletic Bilbao on a free transfer next summer
According to a report by Spanish publication Diario Gol, Real Madrid are doing everything in their powers to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga on a Bosman move next summer. Los Blancos are ready to offer the Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper a staggering €20 million sign-on bonus to sign the dotted line.
Kepa is one of the many jewels in the latest generation of budding superstars from Spain, and is widely regarded among the most promising goalkeepers in Europe. The young shot-stopper joined the fabled youth setup at Athletic Bilbao in 2004, gradually progressing through the ranks before making his first-team debut last season.
Over the last twelve months, Kepa has gone from strength to strength and is now firmly established in the first-team setup at San Mames, having played all but one domestic game for his side. In addition, the 23-year-old has also become a regular call-up to the Spanish National Team, despite having not made his senior debut for Spain.
His progress, though, has earned Kepa several admirers across Europe, the biggest of them being Real Madrid, who have been monitoring his progress for several months. The Spanish and European champions have been perennially linked with a move for a goalkeeper.
In fact, Los Blancos have made numerous overtures to poach David De Gea from Manchester United, a battle they seem to have conceded defeat in. While they still remain in pursuit of Thibaut Courtois, Kepa has well and truly become their top priority.
Zinedine Zidane has not shied away from imposing his complete faith in Keylor Navas, who has been on the edge at Real Madrid several times in the past. But, with the Costa Rican and his understudy, Kiko Casilla starting the current campaign in an underwhelming fashion, the need for a goalkeeper has accentuated.
With Kepa’s contract at San Mames set to expire at the end of the season, a Bosman move is in the offing next summer, although Athletic Bilbao have been negotiating over a new deal for a number of months now. However, Real Madrid might have an ace up their sleeves to tempt him to shun a new deal.
Los Blancos are set to offer Kepa a €20 million sign-on bonus, which is likely to turn his head. Athletic Bilbao, thus, might have to accept defeat in their bid to recoup any money for the highly rated youngster, whose next destination seems destined to be the Bernabeu.
