According to Sky Sports, Arsenal is set to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga after triggering his £5m release clause. Kepa, 30, had a resurgence under Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth last season, becoming the team’s undisputed number one with 35 appearances and nine clean sheets.
However, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has told Kepa he has no long-term future at the club.
Arsenal emerged as serious candidates for Kepa’s signature and reportedly entered talks with his entourage last week. The discussions were positive, with both parties keen to get a deal done. If finalized, Kepa will become Arsenal’s first major signing of the summer window.
Kepa has matured into a refined goalkeeper since his £71.6m transfer to Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao in 2018. Although he struggled to find consistency at Chelsea, his loan spell at Real Madrid ended with a domestic double, and he hit his stride at Bournemouth.
As David Raya’s understudy, Kepa’s experience and trophy-laden career would be a valuable asset to Arsenal.
The Spanish goalkeeper’s move to Arsenal would be a bargain at £5m, considering his achievements at the highest level. With Neto returning to Bournemouth, Kepa is expected to act as understudy to Raya at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta would be getting a reliable goalkeeper who has proven his worth in big games. The deal is seemingly on the verge of completion, and Kepa’s signing would strengthen Arsenal’s goalkeeping department.