Arsenal transfer news: Kepa Arrizabalaga joins Gunners in £5m deal from Chelsea
Arsenal have completed the signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The Spanish goalkeeper arrives on a three-year deal for just £5 million, after the Gunners activated his release clause - a modest figure considering his once-record-breaking status.
A wealth of experience
It’s a low-key move on the surface, but one packed with intent. Kepa is no stranger to pressure or top-level football.
He joined Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao in 2018 for a then-world record fee for a goalkeeper, and while his time at Stamford Bridge was a mixed bag, his career since has shown resilience.
He’s won the Champions League, Europa League and Club World Cup with Chelsea, added a La Liga and another Champions League title while on loan at Real Madrid, and spent last season as Bournemouth’s No. 1 - keeping eight clean sheets in 31 Premier League appearances.
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From Chelsea starter to backup at Arsenal
Now, at 30, he makes the short move across London to provide experienced cover for David Raya.
Arsenal have long needed a reliable deputy between the posts. Raya is still the undisputed first choice, but with Aaron Ramsdale having moved on and the club choosing not to pursue a permanent deal for Neto, Kepa brings much-needed depth - and a winning pedigree -to the position.
Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard are expected to be Arsenal’s next confirmed signings.
They also have links to Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke and Benjamin Sesko.
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