Arsenal ready to battle Real Madrid to sign Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa
- Spain keeper Kepa's Athletic Bilbao contract expires at the end of the season
- Arsenal are ready to battle it out with Real Madrid for his signature
- Kepa's release clause currently stands at 20million euros (£17.7m)
Arsenal have joined Real Madrid in the race to sign Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa.
In recent weeks, reports in Spain have suggested Madrid have turned their attention to the Bilbao stopper instead of pursuing Manchester United's David De Gea.
And according to Marca on Thursday, Arsenal are ready to battle Madrid for the 23-year-old's signature, while Juventus are also monitoring the goalkeeper.
Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa (centre) is linked with Real Madrid and Arsenal
Spanish paper Marca say Madrid and Arsenal hold serious interest in the 23-year-old
Marca say Kepa's current release clause stands at 20m euros (£17.7m) - a loophole which could be exploited by either club in January.
His contract at Bilbao expires at the end of the season and he appears to be at an impasse in negotiations with his current employers.
He was said to be unhappy that Bilbao suggested setting upping release fee to 100m euros, while they are also failing to agree on wages.
If Madrid sign Kepa, it would signal the end of their interest in David De Gea
His potential arrival at the Emirates would be slick business from the Gunners with one of Europe's most highly-rated players arriving on a cut-price deal. But his next move could have a knock-on effect for a number of other English clubs.
United would welcome a new goalkeeper arriving at Madrid after the Spanish club's repeated attempts to bring De Gea back to Spain.
And if Kepa joined Madrid, it could signal that the club are ready to part ways with one of their current stoppers - Kiko Casilla or Keylor Navas, who has been linked with Liverpool.
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