Real Madrid have reportedly agreed a £22 million deal with Athletic Bilbao to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga in January.
According to a report by Daily Mirror, Real Madrid are set to complete the signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga in the winter transfer window for a cut-price deal instead of securing his services for free next summer. Los Blancos have agreed a £22 million deal for the Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper to land him mid-season.
Kepa Arrizabalaga is one of the many highly rated talents from Spain’s latest generation of senior players. Widely regarded as one of most promising young goalkeepers in the world, the shot stopper made his first-team debut for Athletic Bilbao last season, and is now the firm first-choice at San Mames.
This season has been a struggle for the Basque club, with Jose Angel Ziganda’s side plummeting to 14th in the La Liga table. But, Kepa has been one of the few positives for Bilbao, having provided a rock solid presence between the sticks.
‘No sense’ – Courtois to Real Madrid rumours dismissed by Marca. Kepa will be first choice. https://t.co/3VpcYU2vwO #cfc pic.twitter.com/W5DBBUOCTn
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) December 14, 2017
His exploits have also helped him earn his senior debut for Spain, and the 23-year-old looks certain to be a part of the country’s World Cup squad. His time at San Mames seems to be coming to an end though, with no development on the renewal of a contract that is set to run out at the end of the season, and Real Madrid lurking.
The Spanish and European champions have been constantly linked with a number of goalkeepers ever since they failed in their deadline day attempt to sign David De Gea in the summer of 2015. While the Spain number one continues to remain a target, the player seems to be content at Manchester United.
With Keylor Navas and Kiko Casilla struggling in the first half of the season, Kepa has well and truly become Los Blancos‘ number one target. And Real Madrid have accelerated their process of signing the youngster, with a move in the winter transfer window on the cards.
Athletic Bilbao seem to have conceded defeat in their bid to tie Kepa down to a new deal, and are now willing to agree a cut-price deal to recoup some amount in exchange for his services. A £22 million deal is set to be agreed upon by both parties, as per the report, which would be a massive boost for Real Madrid.
If the deal indeed comes to fruition next month, Zinedine Zidane is sure to be buoyed by the arrival of the shot stopper, with both his goalkeepers looking shaky this season. Furthermore, Kepa will be eligible to play in the UEFA Champions League, making it an ideal mid-season move.