Kepa Arrizabalaga has brought to an end to rumours linking him with Real Madrid by committing to a new contract with Athletic Bilbao which includes an €80 million release clause.
The fresh terms will keep the highly-rated goalkeeper in his current surroundings until 2025.
Goal revealed on Sunday that the 23-year-old was set to commit to a new deal and quash links to Madrid.
He had been heavily linked with a move elsewhere as his previous contract was set to expire at the end of the current campaign.
A €20 million switch to Santiago Bernabeu had been mooted for the Spain international, but he will now be staying put.
A short statement released on Athletic’s official website read: “Athletic Club and Kepa Arrizabalaga have signed the contract renewal by which the player will remain with the rojiblanca until 30 June 2025.
“His cancellation clause will be 80 million Euros.”
Fellow goalkeeper Iago Herrerin had hinted after a 2-2 draw with Getafe over the weekend that a distracting saga in Bilbao was set to be brought to a close.
He said: “It’s a tiring subject, but that’s normal.
“We know the whole truth about it all.”
The La Liga outfit can now focus fully on their efforts in the Spanish top-flight, with Inaki Williams another much sought-after talent to have recently committed to a new deal.
Athletic sit 12th in the table at present, six points adrift of the Europa League spots.
Madrid, meanwhile, will have to switch their attention elsewhere in the pursuit of goalkeeping reinforcements.
Manchester United’s David de Gea has long been linked with a return to his roots in the Spanish capital, while Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois is another long-standing target.
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