Arsenal are set to add a new goalkeeper to their ranks.placeholder image
Arsenal are set to add a new goalkeeper to their ranks. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Mikel Arteta has added an experienced Premier League goalkeeper to his squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Mikel Arteta’s side have been linked with a move for the player in recent weeks and that deal now appears to be on the verge of completion. Neto had deputised last season for Arsenal but was not signed permanently following his loan from AFC Bournemouth.
Kepa, who has made 140 Premier League appearances, will provide competition for David Raya. The Chelsea man spent last season on loan with the Cherries and made 35 appearances for the club over a strong campaign for the south coast outfit.
Arsenal set to sign Chelsea goalkeeper
The shot-stopper remains the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, having joined Chelsea for £72 million from Athletic Bilbao in 2018. It is expected that Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta will make Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi the first signing of the summer for £51 million - the player has recently been in London to finalise the deal. It remains to be seen if the club confirms the arrival of Kepa or Zubimendi first.
Taking to social media platform X on Wednesday, transfer guru Romano wrote: “Kepa to Arsenal, here we go! Deal done for the Spanish goalkeeper to join #AFC as new backup for David Raya.
“Arsenal activate £5m clause from Chelsea and all documents are now sealed. One more addition for Arteta after Martin Zubimendi.”
Kepa was sent away on loan by Chelsea last season with too much competition for the goalkeeping spot at Stamford Bridge. Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen swapped in and out of being first choice but Blues manager Enzo Maresca may have regretted letting Kepa leave as he proved consistent at the Vitality Stadium.
Kepa labelled ‘amazing’ by Andoni Iraola
The goalkeeper was particularly impressive for Bournemouth in a win over Manchester United in December. Speaking after that match, Andoni Iraola said: “Today, he has been amazing.
“I think he's looking very solid, he has done some very good games, the last ones. But today he had, apart from the good decisions on the ball, in a backline that is very, very young, I think we need this experience like calm, he shows from Adam [Smith], from Lewis Cook, from Kepa to help the other players.
“And apart from that he has very good shot saving, let's say. But it makes the performance very good.”
Kepa has also spoken highly of the Bournemouth manager, thanking him for revitalising his career. Towards the end of the campaign, he said: "I had very good references, and his call helped me take the step.
"I needed to enjoy football again, feel important, and have the opportunity to play every weekend. Being here has allowed me to do that and has been key to rediscovering the passion you seek as a footballer."
In other news, 'Bid Rejected': Arsenal and Tottenham target also wanted by Premier League rival.
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