Arsenal have completed the signing of Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea in a deal reportedly worth £5 million, marking their first acquisition of the summer transfer window.
The 30-year-old joins the Gunners after an underwhelming spell at Stamford Bridge, where he arrived in 2018 as the world’s most expensive goalkeeper following a £71 million transfer from Athletic Bilbao. Kepa spent the last two seasons on loan at Real Madrid and Bournemouth, failing to regain his place as Chelsea’s number one.
Kepa is expected to serve as back-up to Arsenal’s current first-choice goalkeeper, David Raya.
Speaking to the club’s media team, Kepa expressed optimism about Arsenal’s trajectory under Mikel Arteta, who has guided the team to three consecutive second-place finishes in the Premier League.
“I think we are so close to winning and, hopefully, altogether, we can achieve it,” said the Spanish international.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta welcomed the signing, praising Kepa’s experience and character.
“We are really happy to have Kepa joining us. He brings a wealth of experience, which his teammates will benefit from, and he has a real hunger to win,” Arteta said. “Kepa works hard and will elevate our levels. I know he will fit in perfectly, already knowing some of his teammates, and we are really excited about his future with us.”
Reports indicate that Arsenal activated a £5 million buyout clause in Kepa’s Chelsea contract signed last year.
The move comes as Arsenal continue to strengthen their squad ahead of another Premier League title challenge, with Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad and Christian Norgaard of Brentford also reportedly close to joining the club.
