Arsenal Closing In On Kepa Deal From Chelsea

Arsenal are close to signing goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea. The Spanish goalkeeper is set to join as the clubs have reached an agreement. Arsenal will pay £5 million to get Kepa, who will be a backup for their main goalkeeper, David Raya.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Arsenal have quickly moved to bring Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea. They will pay the £5 million release clause in his contract. This move happened after their first choice, Espanyol’s Joan García, seemed to be moving to Barcelona. Talks between Arsenal and Kepa are going well, with both wanting to complete the deal.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Kepa’s move to Arsenal is another step in his challenging career in England. Once the most expensive goalkeeper in the world at £71.6 million, he struggled at Chelsea after joining in 2018. He lost his first-team place and spent 2023-24 on loan at Real Madrid. This season, he has been impressive during his loan spell at Bournemouth.

Arsenal are signing him following the expiry of Neto’s loan from Bournemouth. They need a backup for the first-choice goalkeeper and fellow Spaniard David Raya. Despite his difficulties, Kepa impressed the Gunners during his time at Bournemouth, making Arsenal pursue a deal which is of minimal risk.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

Arsenal seem set to qualify for the Champions League and Kepa’s signing will provide them needed depth ahead of a busy next season. Mikel Arteta will welcome experienced cover for Raya, and two Spanish teammates will jostle for the spot between the sticks.

Meanwhile, it seems like Chelsea are continuing to offload players. They have reportedly shown interest in AC Milan’s Mike Maignan, and Kepa’s exit will free up one option. This deal between Arsenal and Chelsea is one of many in the recent past, following moves like those of Kai Havertz, David Luiz, and Willian among others.