Real Madrid to meet Kepa Arrizabalaga’s £17.7million buy-out clause in January with David De Gea set to stay at Manchester United
Athletic Bilbao stopper's deal runs out at end of season, but Los Blancos are keen to keep good relations with Basque side
MANCHESTER UNITED fans can breathe a huge sigh of relief with the news Real Madrid are close to signing goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Los Blancos have been tipped to bring David De Gea from Old Trafford for several seasons now — having come particularly close on the final day of the 2015 summer transfer window.
However, recently they have turned their attentions to Athletic Bilbao's highly-rated stopper Kepa, 23.
And Marca report Real Madrid will pay the £17.7million required to meet his buy-out clause in January.
The two sides will meet on Saturday, in the Basque region and deal could be thrashed out.
Athletic have been desperate to keep the young goalkeeper, but have seen all of their contract renewal offers turned down.
His current deal expires at the end of the season and that means Real Madrid could start negotiations over a free transfer from January.
However, the recent performances of Kiko Casilla has raised the need for a new No 1 in between the sticks.
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Keylor Navas struggled at the beginning of last season, before picking up form towards the end of the campaign, and Zinedine Zidane decided to retain the Costa Rican as his first-choice goalkeeper.
Furthermore, Real Madrid believe £17.7m is a relatively small price to pay to maintain good relations with Athletic.
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Kepa is expected to compete for the Spain No 1 spot with De Gea for years to come.
He made his international debut in last month's 5-0 friendly win against — ironically — Costa Rica earlier this month.
Real Madrid's current goalkeeping coach is Luis Llopis, who worked with Kepa at Athletic.