Arsenal Sign Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea in £5m Deal

Arsenal have strengthened their goalkeeping ranks with the signing of Spanish international Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for a reported fee of £5 million.

The 30-year-old has agreed a three-year contract with the Gunners after spending the previous season on loan at Bournemouth, where he featured in 35 matches across all competitions.

Speaking on his move, Kepa expressed his enthusiasm: “I’m very happy to be here. The ambition of this club, and the conversations I had with Mikel Arteta and Inaki Cana, made it an easy decision. We’re close to achieving big things, and I hope to be part of that success.”

Kepa remains the most expensive goalkeeper in football history following his £71 million move from Athletic Bilbao to Chelsea in 2018. Despite a mixed spell at Stamford Bridge, he departs having made 163 appearances and winning the Champions League, Europa League, and FIFA Club World Cup with the Blues.

He also enjoyed a successful loan spell at Real Madrid during the 2023–24 season, helping the Spanish giants clinch both La Liga and the Champions League titles.

At Arsenal, Kepa will offer competition for fellow Spaniard David Raya, who is currently first choice under Arteta. The move comes after the club decided against signing Brazilian keeper Neto on a permanent deal following his loan stint from Bournemouth.

Although Kepa’s early years at Chelsea were marked by inconsistency and scrutiny over his then-record transfer fee and high wages, he was widely respected within the squad for his professionalism and attitude. His refusal to be substituted in the 2019 Carabao Cup final remains a notable moment in his Premier League career.

Despite the weight of his price tag, Kepa has consistently been regarded as a capable and experienced goalkeeper — qualities Arsenal hope will bolster their push for silverware in the coming seasons.