Arsenal look set to sign goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea, with the deal “in the process of being finalised”. Despite that passive language from [The Athletic](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6408327/2025/06/07/kepa-arrizabalaga-arsenal-chelsea/)’s David Ornstein, the move doesn’t look to be in any danger of not happening.
Kepa signed a new two-year contract with Chelsea just prior to heading out on loan to AFC Bournemouth last summer, which included a £5m release clause (and reduced wages). He did well enough with the Cherries to make that amount look a relative bargain, though apparent interest in activating that has not been overwhelming so far.
Still, all it takes is one, and Arsenal seem to be the one. They are in need of a backup goalkeeper who can deputize for David Raya, though Kepa will surely want more than just backup minutes. He’s still just 30 years old after all — young for a goalkeeper even in our increasingly youthful professional game.