Arsenal have strengthened their goalkeeping ranks with the acquisition of Spanish international Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea, in a deal reportedly worth £5 million ($7 million).
The 30-year-old remains the most expensive goalkeeper in football history following his £71 million transfer from Athletic Bilbao to Chelsea in 2018. However, Kepa struggled to meet expectations at Stamford Bridge, eventually losing his starting spot and spending the last two seasons on loan at Real Madrid and Bournemouth.
At the Emirates, Kepa is expected to serve as a backup to first-choice goalkeeper David Raya. Arsenal are believed to have triggered a £5 million buyout clause inserted in Kepa’s Chelsea contract last year.
Speaking after the move, Kepa expressed optimism about the Gunners’ ambitions:
“I think we are so close to winning and, hopefully, altogether, we can achieve it,” he said in a statement released by the club.
Kepa becomes Arsenal’s first signing of the summer transfer window. The North London club are also closing in on a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi and are in advanced negotiations with Brentford over a move for captain Christian Norgaard.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta welcomed Kepa’s arrival, praising the goalkeeper’s mindset and experience:
“We’re really happy to have Kepa joining us,” said Arteta. “He brings a wealth of experience that will benefit the squad, and he’s hungry to win. He’s a hard worker and already knows some of our players, so we expect him to settle in quickly. We’re excited about what he brings to the team.”
Under Arteta’s leadership, Arsenal have finished runners-up in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons but are still chasing their first major trophy since winning the FA Cup in 2020.
Advertisement
