TBR Football can exclusively confirm the latest involving Arsenal and Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Arsenal are on the lookout for a new back-up goalkeeper in the wake of Neto heading back to Bournemouth now his loan spell has ended.
Meanwhile, Kepa Arrizabalaga faces an uncertain future at Chelsea – he was loaned out to Bournemouth for the entirety of the 2024/25 season.
TBR Football can reveal what Arsenal have done in their pursuit of Kepa, and what the Spain international thinks about a possible move to N5.
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Kepa Arrizabalaga keen on Arsenal move as Gunners make approach
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has confirmed that Arsenal have indeed spoken with Chelsea about a deal for Kepa.
The 30-year-old has been told by Bournemouth that they do not want to make his loan permanent, and he has no future at Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are looking for a ‘capable’ No. 2 and, with Joan Garcia opting for Barcelona, they have moved for Kepa.
TBR Football have been told that Kepa is willing to make the move and compete with David Raya.
Indeed, the Stamford Bridge man is ready to take some sort of wage drop to facilitate the move to the Emirates.
There is some interest back in Spain and also Saudi Arabia for Kepa, but the 13-cap Roja man is keen on the prospect of joining Arsenal.
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How Kepa fared at Bournemouth
Kepa has been out of the picture for Chelsea for two years now, having spent last season on loan at Bournemouth and the prior season at Real Madrid.
Kepa made 35 appearances in all competitions for the Cherries, of which 31 came in the Premier League, and he helped the south coast side finish ninth.
The Spaniard kept nine clean sheets, of which eight came in the Premier League, and he conceded 43 goals, of which 39 were in the top flight.
“I think both sides are very happy with his loan spell,” Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola said in May.
“I think he has performed really well, and his character and experience have been very valuable for us.
“In a really young team, to have someone with his experience of fighting regularly for titles has been really lovely.”
Iraola added: “But we still have Neto, [Mark] Travers and [Alex] Paulsen, so we will see in pre-season what decisions we take.
“There will definitely be changes in that position though, yes.”