Arsenal dealt blow with target Kepa Arrizabalaga set to sign new Athletic Bilbao contract
Arrizabalaga was a free agent next summer and could have signed pre-contract with Gunners in January, but if Arsene Wenger still wants him, his release clause is now £66.5million
Arsenal have been dealt a massive blow as keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is close to signing a new contract with Athletic Bilboa, according to reports.
Marca claim the 23-year-old stopper who was out of contract at the end of the season had been closely monitored by the Gunners and La Liga giants Real Madrid.
Arrizabalaga is rated as one of the best young goalkeepers in Europe and with contract talks between his representatives and the Basque clubs reaching an impasse, his days at the San Mames looked numbered.
Arsenal were looking to steal a march on any rivals for his signature by possibly agreeing a pre-contract with the keeper in January.
Arrizabalaga, currently on international duty with Spain, has risen through the ranks at Bilbao and has spent two spells on loan at Ponferradina and Valladolid.
The keeper who has been compared to Manchester United and Spain No1 David De Gea will be rewarded with a big hike in wages and a release clause rising from £8.8million to £66.5m.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is looking for a long-term successor to 35-year-old Petr Cech.
David Opsina has not convinced at the Emirates and was linked with a move to Fenerbahce in the summer.
And with Wojiech Szczesny permanently leaving North London to join Juventus in the summer, leaving the inexperienced Matt Macey as the only other option in goal.
