Real Madrid Transfer News: Keylor Navas Discusses Exit Rumours

Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas is ready to fight for his place at the club should a new player arrive in his position in the summer.

Los Blancos have been linked with a new stopper in recent weeks, casting doubt over Navas' future.

After Madrid's disappointing 2-2 draw with Levante on Saturday, the Costa Rica international was asked about the possible arrival of some competition for his place.

"I am calm because one day I will have to go," he said, per J.M. Fernandez of Marca. "... I don't know if the club have doubts about me. I only know that I still have a contract and I will remain calm. If Real Madrid were to sign a goalkeeper in the future and let him compete with me, then I would like that, and it wouldn't intimidate me."

As Miguel Delaney of The Independent reported, Madrid were close to signing Athletic Bilbao's Kepa Arrizabalaga in the January transfer window before a deal fell through.

The 23-year-old went on to sign a new contract with the Basque club; Copa90 reacted at the time:

Delaney added that Chelsea man Thibaut Courtois is their top target in the summer, while interest in Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea lingers.

Navas has been a key man for Madrid in recent seasons and a crucial part of their back-to-back UEFA Champions League-winning teams.

FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/Getty Images

Even during this season, there have been times when the goalkeeper has produced big moments for Madrid. In the recent 4-1 win at Valencia, one of Navas' stops prevented Los Che from making the score 2-2; manager Zinedine Zidane suggested his goalkeeper had "saved" the side, per Marca.

Ahead of this season, these numbers summed up just how reliable Navas had been:

However, there have been times when Madridistas have lamented not having a world-class option in net, especially this term, when mistakes have occasionally blemished Navas' game.

And while Madrid have some of the finest players in football at their respective positions, it's tough to make a case that Navas is in that bracket.

Andy West of BBC Sport believes it's time for Madrid to start looking towards the future:

When Navas arrived at Madrid in 2014, few thought he would become the club's No. 1, and in that sense, he has surpassed plenty of expectations. Two Champions League triumphs and a Liga crown are part of a remarkable trophy haul, making the 31-year-old one of the most decorated goalkeepers of his generation.

Still, with Los Blancos well off the pace in La Liga and out of the Copa del Rey, you sense some significant summer spending is on the cards. A massive outlay on a goalkeeper would push Navas to the fringes.