Real Madrid have identified a top goalkeeping target that they want to bring to Bernabeu, but it's probably not the name you were expecting.
For years now, Los Blancos have been regularly linked with Manchester United's David De Gea, to the point where the transfer stories and rumours have been never-ending every summer.
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But with De Gea, who would have ended up at Real Madrid a few summers ago had it not been for a dodgy fax machine, content at Old Trafford and looking like he could stay for years to come, a frustrated Real are turning their attentions elsewhere.
According to MARCA, Real see Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga as their No.1 choice to eventually replace Keylor Navas between the sticks.
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It's said that that the 12-time European Champions have been in discussions with Athletic for quite some time, but things have not progressed since January.
But Real remain seriously interested in the 22-year old, who is a Spain youth international and starred for La Roja's Under 21 side as the reached the Under 21 European Championships final in the summer.
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After coming from the youth ranks at the basque club, Kepa has gone on to make 23 appearances for Athletic and with his stock rising, Los Leones are desperate to tie him down to a new contract given that his deal runs out in the summer and they risk losing one of their top talents for free.
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The talk from MARCA is that Athletic are aiming to get Kepa to sign a contract that will see his release clause sky-rocket from a modest £9 million to £57 million - a sum that will be monumental at San Mames. Real aren't the only potential suitors, though, as Napoli and Arsenal have also been linked with the talented young shot-stopper.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: David De Gea, Keylor Navas
