Transfer Centre

Martin Keown tells David de Gea: 'Snub Real Madrid move'

By Shane Callaghan, ReporterPublished: 23 May 2015 4:21 PM

Arsenal legend Martin Keown says that snubbing Real Madrid and staying with Manchester United is the better career move for in-demand goalkeeper David de Gea.

In-demand Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea should snub a summer switch to Real Madrid, according to Arsenal legend Martin Keown.

Madrid-born De Gea, 24, has been heavily linked with a move to the Spanish giants after enjoying a fine campaign for the Premier League side between the sticks.

The Spaniard, who joined the Red Devils from Atletico in 2011, is reported to have already agreed personal terms, but Keown says that leaving would be a mistake in the belief that United are on an "an upward curve".

"De Gea, he should not be going anywhere," he told the Daily Mail. "United still need to reinforce in key areas over the summer but they are a lot closer to major success than Liverpool.

"They have superstars in the dressing room and are on an upward curve.

"De Gea has developed into an outstanding goalkeeper at United and could be the long-term solution they've been searching for ever since Peter Schmeichel left. But the pull of a return home to Spain is a strong one, as is the temptation to join Real Madrid."

De Gea was named in the Premier League Team of the Year, having also been one of six players to be nominated for PFA Player of the Year, which was won by Chelsea's Eden Hazard.