Arsenal are among three teams watching Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga’s contract situation at the Basque club, according to the Daily Express.
The newspaper reports that Napoli and Real Madrid are also keeping a close eye on negotiations with the 22 year old’s current deal expiring at the end of the season.
Spanish publication AS are reporting that Kepa wants to stay at Bilbao but there have been complications regarding the player’s salary and release clause.
Bilbao are said to have offered around £1.9m a season to the keeper, but they want a €70m (£61m) release clause inserted into the player’s contract to detract potential offers from other clubs.
The Spanish Under 21 international will be able to speak to other teams in just over three months, and the length of time that talks are taking are becoming a major concern to the Basque club, although there is still optimism that a deal will be struck.
Kepa is rated as one of Europe’s brightest young goalkeeping talents, and with Arsene Wenger having pursued Jordan Pickford in the summer, it is fair to assume the Gunners boss will be scouting the Bilbao star as he seeks a long term replacement for Petr Cech.
