Real Madrid are prepared to trigger Arsenal target Kepa Arrizabalaga’s release clause in the January transfer window.
The 23-year-old goalkeeper's current deal with Athletic Bilbao expires at the end of the season and negotiations over a new deal between the parties have not gone down well.
There were suggestions earlier this month that the Basque club were prepared to meet the goalkeeper’s demands in order to hold on to the Spaniard, but it seems a January move for him is imminent.
And according to Spanish sports daily Marca, Real Madrid are now preparing to trigger the €20m release clause in his contract to sign him during the winter transfer window.
Real Madrid were plotting to sign Kepa in the summer on a free transfer, but the club have decided against dragging the saga on and are prepared to get the deal over the line in January.
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The goalkeeper, who wants his future thrashed out before the World Cup, is also keen to end his time at Athletic Bilbao and move to Real Madrid in January.
The European champions believe Kepa has the ability to become their long term goalkeeper and are keen to take him to the Bernabeu as soon as possible.
A Real Madrid move for Kepa could be a serious blow for Arsenal, who have been reportedly eyeing the goalkeeper as a long term successor to Petr Cech.
