Former Chelsea flop to reunite with David Raya as Arteta bolsters squad with low-risk goalkeeping option
In a surprising twist to the summer transfer window, Arsenal are poised to sign Chelsea outcast Kepa Arrizabalaga as their new backup goalkeeper, with the Spaniard expected to complete his medical imminently.
According to The Athletic, the Gunners will trigger Kepa’s modest €5.9 million (£5m) release clause after being impressed by his solid loan spell at Bournemouth last season. The 30-year-old—once the world’s most expensive goalkeeper following his €80m move to Chelsea in 2018—will provide competition for fellow Spaniard David Raya, reuniting with new signings Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino in Mikel Arteta’s evolving squad.
Kepa’s arrival at London Colney this week will mark a remarkable career turnaround for a player who became synonymous with Chelsea’s struggles during his turbulent six-year stint. Despite winning four trophies at Stamford Bridge, his error-prone 2019-20 campaign saw him lose his starting spot to Edouard Mendy before loan spells at Real Madrid and Bournemouth rebuilt his reputation.
From Record Signing to Bargain Backup
The move represents a calculated gamble by Arsenal—landing an experienced international for minimal cost while Chelsea finally cut ties with their expensive misfit. While Real Madrid had briefly considered hijacking Zubimendi’s move, their focus remains on midfield reinforcements, leaving Kepa free to begin a new chapter in North London.
For Arteta, the signing provides crucial depth ahead of a Champions League campaign, though questions remain about whether the Emirates faithful will embrace a player whose Chelsea struggles became Premier League folklore. As Kepa prepares to swap blue for red, his career revival story takes another unexpected turn.
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