Arsenal have announced their first transfer of the summer this afternoon, with Kepa Arrizabalaga’s arrival from Chelsea made official.
The 30 year old – who signed a three year deal and will wear the number 13 – will come in alongside his compatriot David Raya, to provide experienced back-up and cover for the number 1, and he spoke to the official website about his decision to join the Gunners.
“We’re here to win,” he said. “I think we have a great team. I think we have great staff around here, the best facilities, so we have to prepare ourselves for this season and to have success.
“When I talk with Mikel and Inaki they show me their desire to win. They showed me this ambition, how much they want to improve, how much they want to grow and I’m really here to help, to push and to win more.”
He also touched on his relationship with Raya, and said, “He’s a great goalkeeper and we have a very good relationship.
“We will compete, we will train together, we will share a lot of time together. We will have competition, as with all the positions in the team, but with the only goal that is to win and be the best ones.”
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta has welcomed his fellow Spaniard, saying, “We are really happy to have Kepa joining us. He is a player we know, having come up against him many times in recent seasons. He brings a wealth of experience, which his teammates will benefit from, and he has a real hunger to win.
“Kepa works hard and will elevate our levels. I know he will fit in perfectly, already knowing some of his teammates, and we are really excited about his future with us.”
Arsenal are also expected to confirm the arrival of Martin Zubimendi this week, while finalising a deal for Brentford captain Christian Norgaard.
Further additions to the forward line are in the works too, with Kepa’s former Chelsea teammate Noni Madueke a rumoured target.