Real Madrid set sights on Man United's David De Gea after missing out on Kepa

David Cooper - Writer 13:31 24/01/2018
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  • David De Gea

    Real Madrid have reset their sights on Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea, according to Marca.

    Los Blancos were exploring the possibility of signing Kepa Arrizabalaga only for the Athletic Bilbao stopper to agree a new seven-and-a-half year contract with his boyhood club.

    The 23-year-old’s new deal includes a €80million release clause, a significant increase on the €20million figure in his previous contract.

    The new price tag would put Kepa in the same bracket as De Gea and Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois but the Premier League duo are considered better value for money considering their vast amount of experience at the top level.

    Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has ruled out making any additions in January but the search for a goalkeeper is nothing new.

    Indeed, Real infamously failed to conclude a deal for De Gea in the summer of 2015 but the excellent form of Keylor Navas has papered over the problem.

    Now, though, Madrid will explore the possibility of signing the Spain No1 in the next transfer window after Kepa’s decision to stay in Bilbao.

    On signing his deal yesterday Kepa said: “I am very happy to continue in what I consider my home.

    “I have been here for almost 15 years, I joined when I was nine.

    “It is a very important moment. for me and for my career, I am happy that after a long negotiation everything has come to fruition. Since I was little I’ve been an Athletic fan and always will be.

    “Those who are close to me or more know me know that I am a person who likes to analyse everything before making a decision. I have taken my time and I want to thank the club that respected it to make my decision.

    “There have been proposals but I considered that the best thing for me was to remain at Athletic for a long time.”

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