Arsenal will reportedly sign Chelsea’s goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga on a £5 million transfer to augment their goalkeeping department in the forthcoming 2025–26 season. If he leaves Stamford Bridge, Kepa will be David Raya’s backup, following the Gunners’ decision to reduce their interest in Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
Arsenal had already made their move for Brazilian veteran Neto as a like-for-like replacement for Raya following Aaron Ramsdale’s departure to Southampton. With Neto returning to Bournemouth at the end of his loan, the Gunners will now move for Kepa, whose Chelsea deal was extended until 2026. His wages were also reduced by an exponential amount, clearing the way for a cut-price transfer.
Kepa has consistently been graded highly by Arsenal scouts. Playing out of from the back and keeping one’s cool in tight spots are ideal qualities for Arteta’s type of play. Raya might be rooted deep as club number one following last season’s 13 clean sheets, but Kepa is reportedly ready to do battle for the spot.
Arsenal believe the Spaniard’s Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Bournemouth experience make him professionally capable of being a deputy at a top club. He was behind Edouard Mendy at the Bridge. He also deputized for Thibaut Courtois alternately with Andriy Lunin at Madrid for the 2023–24 season.
Kepa Has Struggled at Chelsea
30-year-old Kepa will leave Stamford Bridge on a seven-year stint on a low after the Blues signed him in 2018 on a world-record £71.6m transfer fee. Following his rollercoaster spell in west London, the goalkeeper regained top-flight football on loan at Bournemouth last season. He was a stalwart between the Cherries’ goalposts with 35 appearances, eight clean sheets.
If he joins Arsenal, he will continue a tradition of players leaving Stamford Bridge for North London later in their careers. Petr Cech, Jorginho, and more recently, Raheem Sterling have made this switch.
If it is made official in the next few days, Kepa would be Arsenal’s next summer signing, providing crucial protection as the club prepares for a hectic season.