Real Madrid set to announce their first signing in January (photo)

macfranc007 January 06, 2018 IFTTT, Latest Sport News | Today on Naij.com Ibitoye Shittu

- Real Madrid are expected to complete the signing of Athletic Bilbao goalie Kepa Arrizabalaga

- The 23-year-old Spaniard is said to have passed his medical examination at Real Madrid

- He is expected to be a cover up for current number 1 Keylor Navas

Reigning Spanish and European League champions Real Madrid are now on the verge of making their first January 2018 transfer signing.

This comes after Athletico Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was reported to have undergone and passed medical examination at the Spanish club.

According to Marca and OK Diario, the medical was conducted at the Hospital Sanitas La Moraleja in Sanchinarro, Madrid, with Los Blancos set to match his €20 million release clause.

Kepa Arrizabalaga passes medical at Real Madrid (photo: Sun)

The report also stated that Kepa Arrizabalaga is no longer training with Athletic Bilbao, and he could be announced as Los Blancos' player in the coming days.

Real Madrid have been looking for a cover up for current number 1 goalkeeper Keylor Navas in which the club were linked with Chelsea goalie Thibaut Courtois.

And should Real Madrid announce the signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga, then goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is expected to stay at Chelsea.

Earlier, NAIJ.com had reported how Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois reportedly offered himself to reigning Spanish and European League champions Real Madrid ahead of the January 2018 transfer window.

According to the report by Guillem Balague, the Belgian goalie wants to leave Chelsea and has already touted his services to Zinedine Zidane’s side.

After spending four seasons at current Premier League champions Chelsea, Thibaut Courtois has 18 months contract at Stamford Bridge, but apparently wants to return to the Spanish capital after spending three years at Atletico.

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