Arsenal have strengthened their goalkeeping ranks with the signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for a reported £5 million, the club confirmed on Tuesday.
The Spanish international, who still holds the record as the world’s most expensive goalkeeper following his £71 million transfer from Athletic Bilbao to Chelsea in 2018, struggled to justify his hefty price tag during his time at Stamford Bridge.
After slipping down the pecking order, Kepa spent the last two seasons out on loan at Real Madrid and Bournemouth.
Now 30, Kepa is expected to serve as a deputy to Arsenal’s current first-choice goalkeeper, David Raya.
According to reports, Arsenal triggered a £5 million release clause inserted into the deal Kepa signed with Chelsea last year.
Under manager Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have narrowly missed out on the Premier League title for the past three seasons and are still in search of their first major trophy since winning the FA Cup in 2020.
Kepa expressed optimism about joining a team on the verge of success. “I think we are so close to winning, and hopefully, altogether, we can achieve it,” he said in a statement on Arsenal’s website.
He becomes Arsenal’s first summer signing, with further reinforcements on the horizon. Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is reportedly nearing a move to North London, while talks continue with Brentford over club captain Christian Norgaard.
Reacting to the deal, Arteta said, “We’re pleased to bring Kepa on board. He offers valuable experience that will benefit the squad, and he’s hungry to win.
“Kepa’s work ethic stands out, and I’m confident he’ll raise the level in training. He already knows a few players here, and we believe he’ll settle in seamlessly.”
