Arsenal have approached Chelsea to negotiate the transfer of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who can be purchased for a reasonable £5 million. According to emerging reports, the Blues built a release clause into his contract. The Gunners would be happy to see a backup option available for their current first-choice goalkeeper David Raya.
Kepa was loaned to Bournemouth for season 2024–25 and played 31 Premier League games, achieving eight clean sheets. However, a return doesn’t seem on the cards for the 30-year-old. The Blues have made it clear that he is not needed at Stamford Bridge, particularly as they have other goalkeeping alternatives.
The Blues have Kepa contracted until 2026, but a negotiation can be achieved due to the £5 million release clause in his contract. This clause was reportedly added in negotiations prior to loaning him out at Bournemouth, which showed that a future transfer was not far away.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Kepa is part of their plan to bolster the goalkeeping sector at the Emirates Stadium. David Raya is the club favorite now, having graciously received the Premier League Golden Glove award in back-to-back seasons since moving from Brentford. However, the departures of the former standby keepers have created a vacancy that the club are keen on filling with a veteran.
The Gunners were also speculated to be pursuing the services of Espanyol’s keeper Joan Garcia, but he looks set for Barcelona. That left it open for them to target Kepa, who adds solidity and is also Premier League-tested.
Arsenal Have Other Interests This Summer
These developments for a goalkeeper are important, but the first priority transfer target at the Emirates Stadium is still a centre-forward. Midfielder Mikel Merino was used in the frontline last season as a cover for injuries, but they need to solidify in the attack.
RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres have been targets, but even they are going to come at a cost. Also, there are quite a number of top European clubs in the pursuit of their signatures.