Unai Emery is reportedly looking to bid 16 million for the Real Madrid shot-stopper Keylor Navas.
Arsenal have reportedly bid 16 million Euros for Real Madrid’s second choice shot-stopper, Keylor Navas, according to the Sport. The Costa Rican International has been pushed into the bench despite being part of the golden team which lifted the Champions League thrice in the last three years.
The arrival of the Belgian Thibaut Courtois ended the hopes for Navas who is considering every offer to make a decision to play regularly elsewhere. However, it is understood that Arsenal and Roma are battling out for his signature.
Arsenal reportedly lodge £14m bid for Keylor Navas as Real Madrid keeper posts farewell message https://t.co/UyF9ysY0t9 #gunners #coyg #Arsenal
— Arsenal News (@ArsenalHQNews) January 2, 2019
When the Belgian was signed for Los Blancos, Julen Lopetegui decided to slowly slot him into the starting eleven. But, the change of managers during the middle of the season ensured that Navas is going to be part of only the Copa Del Rey.
Most of Europe have already done the homework on him and have started to bid for the Costa Rican. Roma were keen to lure him to Stadio Olimpico, with Arsenal the latter launching a 16 million bid to secure his signature which should be enough to seal the deal.
— Utkarsh Bhatla (@UtkarshBhatla) January 2, 2019
The 32-year-old has made 8 appearances this term, with three coming from the Champions League, two in the La Liga, two in Copa Del Rey and one in the Super Cup.
Despite being a frustrated figure following the signing of Courtois, the former Real Sociedad player said that he would stay professional with Real Madrid. However, things could change if he receives any suitable offers.
Additionally, Navas posted a photo on Instagram which reads “Gracias Por Todo” translates to “Thank you for everything”.
Unai Emery decided to pursue a deal for the current goalkeeper Bernd Leno for a fee of 19 million. But, he has had a mixed start to this campaign by costing his points on some occasions.
The German was at mistake when Charlie Austin headed the ball into the empty net after the Shot-stopper came out to win the ball. This ended the 22-game unbeaten run. He has been unpromising, and the level of other goalkeepers in the top six speaks volumes about it.
Backup keeper Petr Cech’s contract runs down until the end of the season. It is likely to see him move on from this club aftermath this season.
The signing of Navas could demolish the mentality of Bernd Leno who left Bayer Leverkusen to the Gunners during the last summer window.
Since the start of the season, the backline of the Gunners have been nothing short of a calamity. Except for Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Hector Bellerin, all the defenders including Stephen Leichesteiner, Shkodran Mustafi, Nacho Monreal, Laurent Koscielny, and Sead Kolasinac have been lacklustre from minute one.
It is also understood that Unai Emery is keen to be reunited with his former midfield man Ever Banega who is currently contracted with Sevilla. Gary Cahill is another man who could sign for Arsenal in the January transfer window.
Following an easy triumph over Fulham on Tuesday, they will take on Blackpool in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.
