Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal are on the brink of finalising a notable addition to their squad, with Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga expected to arrive in London this week to complete a £5 million transfer from Chelsea, according toThe Athletic.
The 30-year-old is set to undergo medical tests and sign his contract at Arsenal’s London Colney training centre, in what marks a fresh chapter in his Premier League journey. The deal involves Arsenal activating a £5 million release clause in Kepa’s Chelsea contract, with sources confirming that personal terms have already been agreed.
Kepa is set to compete with fellow Spaniard David Raya for the number-one spot at the Emirates. Despite receiving interest from clubs where he would have been guaranteed a starting role, the former Chelsea goalkeeper has opted to join Mikel Arteta’s side in pursuit of silverware and top-level competition.
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Renowned journalist David Ornstein was among the first to report the move, highlighting Kepa’s determination to fight for his place in a competitive Arsenal squad.
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Kepa Arrizabalaga (Image credit: Getty Images)
Kepa, once the most expensive goalkeeper in the world following his £71.6 million switch from Athletic Bilbao to Chelsea in 2018, endured a mixed spell at Stamford Bridge. After promising early performances, he struggled for consistency and eventually lost his starting role to Edouard Mendy. However, a successful loan spell at Bournemouth during the 2024/25 season saw him regain form and attract renewed interest from top clubs.
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His move to Arsenal is seen as a strategic decision by the Gunners to boost squad depth ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. With Champions League football and a title push on the horizon, Arteta is keen to ensure healthy competition in every position, particularly in goal, where the need for reliable backup has been a key talking point.
Kepa’s transfer is expected to be finalised later this week, with official media duties and unveiling to follow shortly after. The move could also be Arsenal’s first signing of the summer, ahead of the anticipated announcement of midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
Arsenal’s intent in the transfer market comes as they aim to close the gap on Premier League rivals. Liverpool have already made waves with the £116.5 million signing of Florian Wirtz, while Manchester City are expected to bounce back from last season’s underwhelming campaign.
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