Arsenal-linked goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga says he’s heard all the rumours but is staying focused on Bilbao and the Spanish national team.

The Gunners have been linked with the keeper in the last week. He has recently received a call up for Spain. Arrizabalaga has a contract that expires at the end of the year and could well solve Arsenal’s goalkeeper problem – with Petr Cech’s form inconsistent and David Ospina second fiddle and struggling for fitness.

Real Madrid are also linked to the 23-year-old. But Kepa didn’t give anything away in his recent interviews in Spain, telling El Correo: “My only focus right now is with the national team. There’s nothing more I can say other than I am a player for Spain and for Athletic Club, nothing else matters to me,” reports the Daily Mail.

“Of course I know of the rumours, I can see them and hear them, you know they exist but I know my situation better than that. They don’t make me nervous and I’m keeping calm.”

Arrizabalaga, valued at £7m, made his debut for his country against Costa Rica on Saturday, keeping a clean sheet which can only add to the interest surrounding him. If Arsenal do have to compete with Real Madrid for his signature, I can’t see him coming to the Emirates.

If the Real Madrid talk turns out to be just gossip, then the Gunners should probably think about making a move. Ospina hasn’t been up to standard as a back up goalkeeper recently, and Petr Čech isn’t getting any younger.

Arrizabalaga has been a regular in the Bilbao side this season, making 10 league appearances, and could have a bright future in Europe.