Arsenal has secured the signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for a transfer fee of £5 million ($6.9m).
Kepa, at 30 years old, has become a key target for Mikel Arteta. Kepa will be the 2nd choice goalkeeper, acting as a reliable backup for the starting goalkeeper, David Raya
Over the last two seasons, Kepa has been loaned out to Real Madrid and AFC Bournemouth, respectively.
Reports suggest that Arsenal also showed interest in signing Joan García from Espanyol; however, the 24-year-old chose to join La Liga champions Barcelona instead.
The Spanish goalkeeper has signed a three-year deal with the north London club, which includes a release clause.
He will wear the No. 13 jersey.
During his loan at Bournemouth, Kepa recorded nine clean sheets in 35 matches, helping the club achieve the sixth-best defensive record in the Premier League for the 2024-25 season.
He will replace Neto at Arsenal, as the Brazilian goalkeeper returns to Bournemouth after a year-long loan in north London.
After completing his transfer from Stamford Bridge to The Emirates Stadium, Kepa stated: “I am truly delighted to be here, filled with excitement and eager for what lies ahead.
“The ambition demonstrated by this club, especially in my conversations with Mikel [Arteta] and Inaki [Cana], showcases their strong desire to win… I believe we are on the brink of success, and together, we can achieve it.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said, “We are delighted to welcome Kepa to our squad. We’ve played against him several times in previous seasons, so we’re familiar with him. His past experience will benefit his teammates, and he has a real desire to win.
Kepa is dedicated and will raise our performance levels. I believe he will blend in smoothly, as he has already connected with some of his teammates, and we are really looking forward to his future with us.
Kepa moved to Chelsea from Athletic Club in 2018, signing a seven-year contract in a deal worth €80 million ($93m), which made him the world’s most expensive goalkeeper.
The goalkeeper, who has enjoyed triumphs in the Champions League, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, and the Club World Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge, shared a heartfelt goodbye with Chelsea fans in an Instagram post.
“Thank you, Chelsea. After seven unforgettable years, the time has come to close a truly remarkable chapter in my life. Chelsea was my home, my family, and the place where I grew both as a player and as a person,” he stated.
