Arsenal Close to Signing Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea

Arsenal are near to completing a deal for Chelsea’s goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. The clubs and Kepa are close to an agreement. Arsenal will pay £5 million, and Kepa will be backup to first-choice David Raya.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Arsenal acted quickly to sign Kepa after missing out on Espanyol’s Joan García. García is likely to join Barcelona. Kepa was on loan at Bournemouth last season, keeping nine clean sheets in 35 Premier League games. The 30-year-old previously spent time on loan at Real Madrid. He has agreed to a long-term contract. Kepa wants to join Arsenal even though he will play less behind Raya.

WHY THIS MOVE MATTERS

Kepa’s value has dropped since Chelsea signed him for €80 million in 2018. Arsenal’s £5 million deal seems like a bargain and a smart move. They needed experienced cover after Neto left, and Kepa’s arrival shows their serious investment in squad depth. Arsenal finished second last season but did not win any trophies. Next season, they will play in the UEFA Champions League.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR CLUB AND PLAYER?

Kepa’s transfer will be completed in the coming days. He will join Arsenal’s preseason preparations after returning to England from his summer vacation. Arsenal will face Manchester City in the traditional season curtain-raiser, the Community Shield. This is seen as an early opportunity for Kepa to make an impression. Bournemouth need a replacement for Kepa, and Chelsea are already active in the transfer market as they continue their squad overhaul under Mauricio Pochettino.