Arsenal Football Club is poised to complete the signing of Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga this week in a £5m deal, bolstering their goalkeeping ranks with the experienced Spaniard.
The 30-year-old, who holds the record as the world’s most expensive goalkeeper following his £72m move from Athletic Bilbao to Chelsea in 2018, will join the Gunners to compete with fellow Spaniard David Raya for the starting position.
Kepa’s move comes after a successful loan spell at Bournemouth last season, where he showcased his shot-stopping prowess.
His £5m release clause was activated following a one-year contract extension with Chelsea last summer, paving the way for his departure from Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal’s decision to pursue Kepa follows their choice not to secure a permanent deal for Neto, who spent the previous season on loan at the Emirates from Bournemouth.
During his seven-year tenure at Chelsea, Kepa made 163 appearances and won four major trophies, including the Champions League, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup. However, his time at Stamford Bridge was marked by inconsistency, leading to loan spells elsewhere.
In the 2023-24 season, Kepa enjoyed a stint at Real Madrid, where he lifted the La Liga title and another Champions League trophy, further enhancing his credentials.
The signing represents a strategic move by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to strengthen the squad’s depth as they aim to compete on multiple fronts. Kepa’s arrival is expected to spark a healthy rivalry with Raya, who has been Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Fans eagerly await the official announcement, with Kepa’s experience and pedigree set to add quality to Arsenal’s ambitions for silverware in the 2025-26 season.