Mikel Arteta has revealed Kepa Arrizabalaga's "winning mentality" was one of the many reasons Arsenal have signed the goalkeeper this summer.
The 30-year-old joins from Chelsea after the Gunners activated the £5million release clause in his contract. The Spaniard will act as cover for David Raya but football.london understands the former Athletic Club man wants to challenge Raya for the No.1 jersey.
“We are really happy to have Kepa joining us," Arteta said after the transfer was completed on Tuesday. "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.”
Sporting director, Andrea Berta, added: “We are really excited to have Kepa join our Arsenal family. He is a player with great experience, someone who has already won major trophies, and we cannot wait for him to join the group and help the club win.
“Kepa knows it is an exciting time to be at Arsenal and we know he is a player who will bring with him a winning mentality. We welcome him and his family to the club, and look forward to him meeting the players and staff, with everyone excited to see him.”
Kepa, who will wear the No.13 shirt during his time at Emirates Stadium, will meet his new teammates over the next week, with pre-season training due to start on Monday. He will then be a part of the squad which flies to Singapore for the pre-season tour of Asia on July 19.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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