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Real Madrid to snub David De Gea as they step up chase for Kepa Arrizabalaga

Spanish giants target Athletic Bilbao's highly-rated young keeper as they pull away from making £60million move for Manchester United star De Gea

REAL MADRID are ready to turn their back on David De Gea by making a move to sign Athletic Bilbao keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The reigning European champions have been chasing Manchester United star De Gea for the past two years.

 Real Madrid have decided to target Athletic Bilbao's Kepa Arrizabalaga
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Real Madrid have decided to target Athletic Bilbao's Kepa ArrizabalagaCredit: AFP - Getty

And United had even considered the prospect of allowing the brilliant Spaniard to finally make the move to the Bernabeu in exchange for defender Raphael Varane.

But Marca claim Real have decided to change their minds and will now try to sign highly-rated Arrizabalaga instead.

The 23-year-old has emerged as one of the most sought-after young goalkeepers in Europe having impressed with Bilbao.

He is seen as someone who will challenge De Gea for his place in the Spanish national team in the future if he continues to progress.

 David De Gea has been a long-term target of Real Madrid
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David De Gea has been a long-term target of Real MadridCredit: Rex Features
 Arrizabalaga has emerged as one of the best young goalkeeping talents in Europe
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Arrizabalaga has emerged as one of the best young goalkeeping talents in EuropeCredit: Getty Images - Getty

And crucially for Real, Arrizabalaga is now in the final year of his current deal with Athletic - with no sign of agreeing to extend his stay with the club.

From the beginning of January the keeper will be free to agree a pre-contract with another club, and Real have already started to make their interest known.

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The reports claim they have made signing him one of their top priorities, in the knowledge that they will be able to get him for a reduced fee next summer.

Because he is under 24, Arrizabalaga cannot move on a free transfer so a compensation package would have to be agreed.

But there are suggestions that fee could be just £17.65million - a bargain for a player of his potential in the current market.

Such a low price is also making a move for the Atheltic star far more attractive to Real bosses than launching a third bid to sign De Gea.

 Kepa Arrizabalaga is out of contract at Athletic Bilbao at the end of the season
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Kepa Arrizabalaga is out of contract at Athletic Bilbao at the end of the seasonCredit: EPA

United would value the 27-year-old at at least £60m, believing he is the best goalkeeper in the world at present.

That kind of fee would represent a major outlay for Real at a time when they are looking to spend big in other areas of the squad to freshen things up at the Bernabeu.

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