Kepa Arrizabalaga
Image credit: Getty Images
New Arsenal signing Kepa Arrizabalaga has made it clear he intends to challenge David Raya for the club’s No.1 shirt after completing his £5 million transfer from Chelsea.
The 30-year-old goalkeeper, who spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, has signed a three-year deal with the Gunners and brings with him a wealth of experience at both club and international level. He previously spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Bournemouth, where he made 35 appearances in all competitions.
Kepa joins Arsenal following the departure of backup goalkeeper Neto, who returned to Bournemouth after a season-long loan. Kepa arrives as the primary competitor to Raya, who is firmly established as Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper after back-to-back Golden Glove-winning campaigns.
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Speaking to Arsenal’s official website, Kepa expressed his excitement about joining the club and his determination to compete at the highest level.
Arsenal - Kepa Arrizabalaga
New Arsenal signing Kepa Arrizabalaga (Image credit: Getty Images)
“I’m really, really happy to be here, really excited and looking forward to what is coming,” he said. “The ambition that is shown in this club, when I talk with Mikel and Inaki, how much they show me their desire to win—I think we are so close to winning and, hopefully, altogether, we can achieve it.”
Kepa, once the world’s most expensive goalkeeper following his £71 million move to Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao in 2018, won both the Europa League and Champions League during his time at Stamford Bridge. He also lifted the UEFA Nations League with Spain in 2023.
Now, he sets his sights on pushing Raya for the No.1 spot.
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“He’s a great goalkeeper and we have a very good relationship,” Kepa said of Raya. “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.”
Arsenal - David Raya
David Raya is the undisputed Arsenal first-choice goalkeeper (Image credit: Getty Images)
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta welcomed the arrival of the experienced shot-stopper, praising his mentality and professionalism.
“We are really happy to have Kepa joining us,” Arteta said. “He is a player we know well, having faced 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.”
With Kepa’s arrival, Arsenal have added depth and top-level experience to their goalkeeping department, as they prepare for a demanding 2025/26 season across the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cup competitions.
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