Arsenal confirm signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for £5m.

The move has been on the cards for a number of weeks now, with parties finally confirming the deal that sees Kepa leave Chelsea to sign for Premier League and London rivals Arsenal.

Kepa said: “I'm really, really happy to be here, really excited and looking forward to what is coming."

For the entirety of the summer, following the expiry of Brazilian goalkeeper Neto's loan, it has been rumoured that Arsenal are in the market for a new goalkeeper to deputise for and compete with Spanish goalkeeper David Raya.

Arsenal were reportedly interested in another Spanish goalkeeper in Joan Garcia, who has recently moved to FC Barcelona for £21m.

Once his move to Barcelona was touted, Arsenal moved onto other targets and Kepa emerged as their main contender to join the ranks.

Now The Gunners have got their man, and for a relatively small fee.

When Kepa made his loan move to Bournemouth for the 2023/24 season, he signed a one-year extension to his Chelsea deal which incorporated a £5m buy-out clause.

Kepa, who has played for Bilbao, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bournemouth in his career, will be most well known for his theatrics in the 2019 League Cup final, in which he refused to be substituted by then Manager Maurizio Sarri before failing to save a penalty as his side lost 4-3 in the shootout.

Arsenal fans will be hoping Kepa can continue the form gained whilst on loan at Bournemouth last season and aid them in their hunt for a first major trophy since 2020.

Hayden Cottle

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