Real Madrid have elected to dedicate their attention towards signing Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois instead of David de Gea in the summer transfer window, according to reports.
The European champions had initially turned their attention towards signing Athletic Bilbao keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, only for the Spaniard to sign a new contract with the Basque club.
Spanish football expert Guillem Balague claimed last week that Madrid have reignited interest in both Courtois and De Gea, adding that the former would be easier to sign.
And according to the Independent‘s Miguel Delaney, the hierarchy at the Bernabeu, despite coming minutes away from signing De Gea in 2015, believe Courtois will be an easier option to pursue once the transfer window opens.
The Belgian recently noted in an interview that Madrid – where his young family still lives – was still very much his home and claimed he wanted to go back there at some point in his career. And a sizeable offer from Florentino Perez – possibly in the region of £100m – may be too good for Chelsea to turn down.
De Gea, on the other hand, is thought to be relaxed with life in Manchester under Mourinho, and certainly isn’t angling for a move away like he was in 2015 during Louis van Gaal‘s time at the club.