Madrid close in on Kepa for 20 million euros

Jack Ottman 6 years ago 3.5k |

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The Bilbao keeper is close to joining Madrid in January. EFE

Real Madrid, after the latest goalkeeping errors from Kiko Casilla and Keylor Navas, have decided to strengthen their defence during the January transfer window with by signing Spanish international goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Kepa has become the number one target in the Spanish capital. The Athletic Bilbao stopper's contract runs until the summer but, according to 'Marca', Los Blancos will pay his release clause of 20 million in order to bring him to the Bernabeu in January.

As it so happens, the Spanish international has started to win many admirers. There are a number of big European clubs monitoring the situation and the Basque keeper is seen as one of the most promising players in his position. And Real Madrid don't want to miss out on the played dubbed as 'the new Casillas'.

The 23-year-old wants to play at the World Cup. It's his number one priority and he fears that Bilbao will drop him to the bench if he doesn't sign a new contract. That's why, according to the aforementioned source, Kepa is considering the offer from th European champions to leave the Basque side in January.

The latest errors from Casilla and Navas have reportedly pushed the club to make a decision. Despite that fact that they could conceivably sign him on a free transfer for next season, at the Bernabeu they would rather pay the 20 million euros to bring him in in January and reinforce a position which, at the moment, isn't up to scratch.

We'll have to wait until January, but the Kepa transfer saga may be coming to it's end.