Arsenal Sign Chelsea Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga for £5 Million

Arsenal sign Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga for £5 million.
Kepa joins as backup to David Raya on a three-year contract.
Arteta says Kepa’s experience and winning mentality will boost the squad.

Arsenal have officially completed the signing of Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga for £5 million, securing the Spanish shot-stopper on a three-year deal with an option for extension.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Kepa, who joined Chelsea in 2018 for a then-world record fee of £71.8 million from Athletic Club, struggled to establish himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper during his time at Stamford Bridge. Over the past two seasons, he had loan spells at Real Madrid and Bournemouth, where he served as the number one goalkeeper last season.

Arsenal triggered Kepa’s release clause earlier today, July 1, bringing him to the Emirates Stadium to provide strong backup to current first-choice goalkeeper David Raya. His arrival fills the role previously occupied by Neto, who was on loan from Bournemouth.

Kepa, now 30, expressed excitement about joining the Gunners.
“I’m really, really happy to be here, really excited and looking forward to what is coming,” he said after signing.
“The ambition shown by this club, when I spoke with Mikel [Arteta] and Inaki [Cana], their desire to win was very clear. I believe we are so close to winning, and hopefully, together, we can achieve it.”

During his loan spell at Bournemouth, Kepa made 35 appearances as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper under coach Andoni Iraola, playing a key role throughout the season.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta welcomed Kepa’s arrival, saying:
“We are really happy to have Kepa joining us. He is a player we know well, having faced him many times in recent seasons.
“He brings a wealth of experience that will benefit the squad, and he has a strong hunger to win. Kepa works hard, will raise our competitive level, and already knows some of his new teammates. We are excited about his future with us.”