Kepa pens new Athletic Bilbao deal amid Madrid speculation

Kepa Arrizabalaga has committed himself to a seven-and-a-half-year contract at Athletic Bilbao despite Real Madrid's rumoured interest.

Athletic Bilbao's Kepa Arrizabalaga

Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper and reported Real Madrid target Kepa Arrizabalaga has signed a new contract at San Mames running until June 2025.

The 23-year-old's release clause has been set at €80million – up from a rumoured €20million under the one-cap Spain international's previous terms.

Earlier this month, Athletic coach Jose Angel Ziganda claimed he was in the dark over speculation Kepa had undergone a medical at Madrid, insisting the player had not been given permission to do so.

Despite suggestions the Spanish and European champions were set to test Athletic's resolve, their head coach Zinedine Zidane maintained they had no interest in entering the January market – something Kepa's renewal with the Basque side makes more likely.

Kepa has impressed as Athletic's first-choice goalkeeper since returning from a loan stint with Real Valladolid at the start of last season.

Manchester United and Spain keeper David De Gea has long been linked with a move to Real Madrid, with Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois also a mooted target.

However, for now at least, Keylor Navas' grasp on the number one shirt at the Santiago Bernabeu remains secure.