Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has been told
he must pay his buy-out clause in full if he is to leave the club for Real
Madrid.
The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the
Liga champions in January as they look to bring in competition for Keylor
Navas.
Kepa's contract expires at the end of the season and talks
over a new deal appear to have broken down, despite months of negotiations.
However, club president Josu Urrutia insists the player will
not be sold next month unless his release clause, reportedly set at €20m, is
paid in full.
"We are aware of what has been reported but we have had
no confirmation from the player's representatives or those from Real Madrid
[about interest in a transfer].
"Athletic are not a selling club and if a player wants
to leave then first of all it has to be his wish and then they need to pay the
buy-out clause."
Urrutia compared Kepa's situation to that of striker
Fernando Llorente, who joined Juventus on a free transfer in July 2013 after
agreeing terms over a move in January of the same year.
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