Juventus dealt a blow as Real Madrid closing in on possible De Gea alternative

15 nov 2017

Spanish newspaper AS reports that Real Madrid have all but dropped their interest in signing Manchester United's Spanish international goalkeeper David De Gea and instead have turned their interest into Juventus target Kepa Arrizabalaga who plays for Athletic Bilbao.

According to the report, Real Madrid see Arrizabalaga, who was recently called up to the Spanish national team by La Furia Roja coach Julen Lopetegui, as a long term solution behind the sticks. Furthermore, AS reports that talks between Arrizabalaga and Athletic regarding a new contract have broken down with less than 8 months left on his current deal with the club.

AS report that "Athletic have offered him a progressive salary that rises throughout the four year contract they are offering, but with a 75 million buy-out clause, which would be the highest at the club" but that Arrizabalaga is not happy with this solution. If no agreement is reached Real Madrid can start negotiating directly with the player starting February 1st 2018 and sign him on a free transfer on July 1st.