Real Madrid are keen on snapping up Arsenal linked goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and could even pay his full buy-out clause in January to do the deal.
Arrizabalaga, whose present contract with Athletic Bilbao will expire next summer, is yet to sign a new deal with the Basque club.
According to Spanish radio station Cope, Athletic Bilbao wanted to insert a €75m release clause in Arrizabalaga’s proposed new contract, but the main sticking point is the salary on offer.
Besides Real Madrid, the 23-year-old, who is also on the radar of Arsenal and Juventus, will be free to sign a pre-contractual agreement with any club he likes in January.
But Los Blancos are currently leading the race to sign the shot-stopper, with the Spanish champions also willing to pay his €20m release clause during the winter transfer window, according to Marca.
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Real Madrid believe paying the full clause would smooth any deal as Athletic Bilbao may not sell otherwise.
Arrizabalaga, who spent the 2015/16 campaign on loan at Real Valladolid, has made 11 appearances in all competitions this season, keeping three clean sheets.
