Arsenal have been handed a boost in their alleged pursuit of Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga as Real Madrid are apparently yet to make a formal approach.

Real Madrid have been linked with a January move for Kepa and despite AS still claiming that Los Blancos will trigger the goalkeeper’s €20m release clause, Bilbao insist that no approach has been made.

“We are aware of what is being reported but we don’t have any confirmation from the player’s agents nor have we had any offer from Madrid,” said Josu Urrutia, Bilbao’s president, on December 27 during a press conference.

“We are not aware that any team has been negotiating with Kepa.

“Athletic is not a club that sells players and for a player to be able to leave, first you have to know whether he wants to leave, and secondly, his buy-out clause has to be paid.”

Considering the 23-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season, this is a boost to Arsenal, who have also been linked. Not that many people have their money on the Spaniard picking the Gunners over Real if they do come a-knocking.

In Madrid, Kepa would almost definitely be playing second-fiddle to Keylor Navas. However, the Costa Rican is 31. Therefore, if Kepa works hard, he could be #1 in a couple of years.

The young shot-stopper was initially tipped to become Petr Cech’s replacement in north London. The 35-year-old has just 18 months left on his existing deal.

However, a recent report in the Telegraph, who tend to be pretty reliable when it comes to Arsenal gossip, claims the former Czech Republic international is set to sign an extension.

Kepa, who’s been at Bilbao since 2015, has made 14 La Liga appearances this season and kept four clean sheets.