Arsenal - Chelsea corner flag
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Arsenal have emerged as surprise contenders to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga this summer, with the Spaniard’s £5 million release clause sparking interest.
A June 5, 2025, post on X from journalist Luca Bendoni, revealed Arsenal are considering a move for the 30-year-old, currently on loan at Bournemouth.
The Gunners’ interest stems from uncertainties surrounding their goalkeeping options, with Aaron Ramsdale’s departure and David Raya’s inconsistent form prompting Mikel Arteta to explore reinforcements.
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Kepa Arrizabalaga - Chelsea
Arsenal have emerged as surprise contenders to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. [Image Credit: Getty Images]
Kepa, once the world’s most expensive goalkeeper after his £71.6 million move to Chelsea in 2018, has revitalized his career at Bournemouth, making 31 Premier League appearances with eight clean sheets in the 2024/25 season.
His performances, including a standout 2-1 win over Arsenal on October 19, 2024, where he made three crucial saves, have caught Arteta’s attention. Despite Bournemouth’s interest in a permanent deal, talks have stalled, opening the door for Arsenal and other clubs, as noted by Bendoni on X.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Kepa is not new; in 2017, they targeted the then-23-year-old Athletic Bilbao star as a long-term replacement for Petr Čech, though he opted for Chelsea.
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Kepa’s technical ability, quick reflexes, and composure in high-pressure situations align with Arteta’s preference for a ball-playing goalkeeper. His familiarity with manager Andoni Iraola, from their time at Athletic Bilbao, has aided his resurgence, making him an attractive, low-cost option with a £5 million release clause in his Chelsea contract, which runs until 2026.
However, competition looms, with Real Madrid eyeing Kepa as a backup for Thibaut Courtois if Andriy Lunin departs. Arsenal’s interest hinges on their assessment of Raya and Neto, their current loanee from Bournemouth.
Fans on X are divided, with some excited by Kepa’s experience, others skeptical of his inconsistent Chelsea stint. As Arsenal aim to bolster their squad for a title push, Kepa’s potential signing could be a strategic coup.
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