Kepa Arrizabalaga Joins Arsenal from Chelsea in £5m Deal

Arsenal have officially signed Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for £5 million. Kepa shared his excitement, calling his move to Arsenal as a crucial step in pursuit of ending his trophy draught.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The north London club triggered a £5 million release clause in Kepa’s contract, with the move being officially completed on July 1, 2025. Kepa joins Arsenal after spending last season on loan at Bournemouth and the previous one at Real Madrid. His arrival follows the departure of Neto, who returned to Bournemouth after his loan spell ended. Kepa is expected to be the back-up to Arsenal’s current first-choice goalkeeper David Raya, but he is determined to challenge for game time in Mikel Arteta’s squad.

According to a previous report, Kepa Arrizabalaga was on loan at Bournemouth last season, which further adds to his experience heading into this new chapter at Arsenal.

KEPA’S JOURNEY AND ARSENAL’S AMBITIONS

Kepa, who was once the world’s most expensive goalkeeper costing Chelsea £71.8 million in 2018, experienced a career journey full of competition, loans and some controversial moments. Now, he enters an Arsenal squad that is looking to challenge for major silverware after coming agonisingly close in recent seasons. Arsenal finished last season in second place in the Premier League preventing them from winning three successive league crowns and also reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, showing signs of steady improvement under Arteta.

A previous report confirmed that Arsenal finished second in the Premier League last season, highlighting their competitive performance and ambitions for the upcoming season.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR ARSENAL & KEPA?

Kepa will begin pre-season training with Arsenal and will look to make a strong start to his career as a Gunner. Arsenal are also looking to strengthen their squad further in the ongoing transfer window. The Gunners are currently pursuing the signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad along with a new striker. Arsenal recently signed Martin Zubimendi for €65 million, further emphasizing their commitment to enhancing the squad ahead of the new season .