Image credit: Getty Images
Former Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips has criticised the club’s decision to sell goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to Arsenal for just £5 million, describing the move as “confusing” given the Spaniard’s impressive loan spell at Bournemouth.
Kepa, who joined Chelsea in 2018 for a then-world record £72 million fee for a goalkeeper, initially arrived with high expectations but struggled for consistency in his early seasons at Stamford Bridge. His form prompted Chelsea to sign Edouard Mendy in 2020, relegating Kepa to a secondary role.
After fluctuating game time in the following years, the 29-year-old rediscovered his best form on loan spells at Real Madrid and most recently Bournemouth, where he became a fan favourite during the 2024/25 campaign. His performances were instrumental in the Cherries’ strong Premier League finish, reigniting interest in his future.
Despite Chelsea’s ongoing uncertainty between the sticks under new manager Enzo Maresca amid underwhelming performances from Robert Sanchez and a failed pursuit of AC Milan’s Mike Maignan, the Blues are reportedly finalising Kepa’s departure to Arsenal for a bargain fee. The deal stems from a clause negotiated into his contract during an extension last summer.
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Wright-Phillips, who made 125 appearances for Chelsea between 2005 and 2009, expressed disbelief at the decision.
“I’m confused. I don’t understand,” he told Betway. “It’s like nobody’s been watching Kepa this season. He’s been unbelievable. He is part of the reason why Bournemouth finished where they did. The defence was outstanding, but Kepa was unbelievable as well.”
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Kepa Arrizabalaga is set to join Arsenal this summer (Image credit: Getty Images)
The former England international questioned Chelsea’s planning, adding, “I assumed while the season was going on that Chelsea didn’t need to buy a goalkeeper because Kepa was going back anyway, but that isn’t the case.”
Wright-Phillips also pointed out that while modern managers often favour goalkeepers who are comfortable with the ball at their feet, Kepa remains a solid option and one that Chelsea should have retained. “If Chelsea can build a strong defence around him and not leave him exposed, then Kepa is your man. You don’t need to forage around,” he added.
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However, Kepa’s potential move to Arsenal has raised further questions, as he is expected to serve as a backup to David Raya, who remains Mikel Arteta’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has also weighed in, advising Kepa to reconsider the transfer if regular playing time is a priority.
“It’s all about whether he wants to play,” Parlour told talkSPORT. “He’s not going to play at Arsenal, is he? He’s going to be No.2. If I was a keeper at his age, I’d want to play because you’ll regret it once you finish.”
Kepa has made 163 appearances for Chelsea and featured 35 times for Bournemouth last season.
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