The transfer saga of Keylor Navas finally has an end date, with the Spanish press reporting his arrival to Real Madrid is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 4 (via Everardo Herrera). Boasting a crowded crop of shot stoppers, the projected odd man out in the Spanish capital remains Diego Lopez. AS Monaco and Napoli are the two clubs rumored to be interested in the goalkeeper's services. Just don't tell Napoli manager Rafa Benitez.
The 54-year-old denies any interest in bringing Lopez to his Italian side.
"Many names have come out, but a high percentage of them are not true," Benitez said (via his official website). "I have heard 'Napoli are going to sign Diego Lopez, an agreement has been reached.' We have not considered him at any moment. Nobody knew about the signings of [Kalidou] Koulibaly, [Mariano] Andujar and Michu until last minute. That is the line we will follow."
Diego Lopez's agent, Manuel Garcia Quillon, doubled down on Benitez's comments, claiming his client is interested in proving himself in Madrid, not securing a transfer.
"Napoli have not asked about Diego, but he will not go anywhere," Quillon told Spanish newspaper Marca (via Fox Sports). "He wants to be a starter next season and like in previous years, he is working to achieve that. He wants to convince [Real Madrid coach Carlo] Ancelotti that he is still the Real Madrid number one."
Unfortunately for Lopez, the future Real Madrid No. 1 hasn't arrived yet, but will come Aug. 4.
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