Costa Rican international Keylor Navas, who is reportedly the subject of a January bid from Arsenal, has agreed a one-year extension at Real Madrid.
According to Spanish publication Marca, in what is a surprising turn of events, Keylor Navas has agreed a one-year extension at Real Madrid. The player has been tipped to leave the club, with Arsenal reportedly lodging a January bid for the Costa Rican international.
Keylor Navas joined Real Madrid after a brilliant World Cup. The goalkeeper became the first-choice at Real Madrid after the departure of Iker Casillas. While there have been hiccups at every turn for the Costa Rican, he was the undisputed first-choice under Zinedine Zidane in what was perhaps the most successful period for Real Madrid in the last decade.
A hattrick of Champions League triumphs under Zinedine Zidane was followed by a difficult spell under Julen Lopetegui, who was let go soon. Santiago Solari has steadied the drop to an extent. But, Thibaut Courtois arrived in the summer and has now taken over as the first-choice at the Bernabeu.
Not content at playing in cup games, Keylor Navas is looking for an exit. And Arsenal are reportedly ready to provide him an escape route. The Gunners brought in Bernd Leno in the summer to replace Petr Cech. But, both the keepers have been inconsistent, which has cost Arsenal crucial points so far this season.
There are rumours that Unai Emery intends to bring in another keeper in order to stop the leak. Although, a major reason of their leaky defence could be chalked down to the spate of injuries that the central defenders that has marginalised the options available at the manager’s disposal.
Arsenal had lodged a €14 million bid for the Costa Rican international, hoping it would be enough for Real Madrid to let the beleaguered Navas leave. But, according to the recent report, the goalkeeper has agreed a one-year extension at Real Madrid.
The deal is likely to be done merely to enable the Spanish giants to rake in more from Arsenal, who will still fancy their chances of landing the Costa Rican international in January.