Arsenal have completed a surprise transfer move for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, activating his £5 million release clause to bring the Spanish shot-stopper to the Emirates Stadium.
The 30-year-old goalkeeper joins the Gunners as backup to first-choice David Raya, becoming Arsenal's second Spanish signing this summer following the arrival of Martin Zubimendi.
Kepa spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Bournemouth and was widely expected to leave Stamford Bridge permanently this summer as Chelsea continue their squad restructuring.
Transfer Details Confirmed
Renowned football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the deal on social media platform X, stating: "Kepa to Arsenal, here we go! Deal done for the Spanish goalkeeper to join #AFC as new backup for David Raya. Arsenal activate £5m clause from Chelsea and all documents are now sealed. One more addition for Arteta after Martin Zubimendi."
The transfer represents remarkable business for Arsenal, who have secured an experienced international goalkeeper with Champions League pedigree for a fraction of the £71.6 million Chelsea paid Athletic Bilbao for his services in 2018 – then a world-record fee for a goalkeeper.
This move continues Arsenal's strategic summer recruitment as manager Mikel Arteta strengthens his squad ahead of another Premier League title challenge and Champions League campaign.
The acquisition of Kepa follows Arsenal's pattern of signing Spanish players under Arteta's management, with the goalkeeper joining compatriots Raya, Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino in the current squad.
For Chelsea, Kepa's departure marks the end of a turbulent spell at the club that saw him fall in and out of favor with multiple managers before ultimately being deemed surplus to requirements.
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