Arsenal sign Kepa from Chelsea in a surprise transfer

Arsenal have officially confirmed the signing of Spanish international goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea, with the 30-year-old joining the Gunners after they triggered his £5 million release clause.

Arsenal triggered the £5m release clause in Kepa’s Chelsea contract to secure the goalkeeper’s services. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the deal with his signature “here we go” announcement, stating all documents are now sealed.

Kepa completed his medical test and was reportedly already training at Arsenal even before the official announcement. He will wear the number 13 shirt and will immediately join up with his new teammates at the Sobha Realty Training Centre. The transfer is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.

Backup Goalkeeper Position

Why Eberechi Eze is fit for Arsenal
Kepa joins Arsenal as backup goalkeeper to David Raya. This move comes after Arsenal initially hoped to promote Joan Garcia to that role, but the young Spaniard opted to join Barcelona instead. The Gunners needed a second goalkeeper after Neto’s loan from Bournemouth expired and the club failed to sign Espanyol’s goalkeeper.

Record-Breaking Chelsea Transfer

In August 2018, Kepa became the world’s most expensive goalkeeper when he joined Chelsea for €80m (£72m). The transfer quickly proved problematic, with the amount invested meaning he was given far too much rope at Chelsea and made him very difficult to sell since. During his time at Chelsea, Kepa was part of the squads that lifted the Champions League, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup.

Recent Loan Spells

Kepa spent the last two seasons on loan at Real Madrid and Bournemouth. In 2023/24, he returned to Spain to join Real Madrid on loan and played his part as the club went on to win the Champions League and Spanish Super Cup. He then spent last season with Bournemouth, making 35 appearances in all competitions.

Hailing from the north of Spain, he began his career with Athletic Bilbao, joining their academy aged 10 and progressing to the first team via spells with Basconia and Bilbao Athletic. He also spent valuable time on loan with Ponferradina and Real Valladolid.

Kepa made his senior Spain debut in a 5-0 win against Costa Rica in November 2017 and has gone on to make 13 senior appearances for his country, as well as winning the 2023 UEFA Nations League.

The 30-year-old is vastly experienced in the Premier League with 140 appearances to his name, making him a valuable addition to Arsenal’s squad depth.

Chelsea sign Joao Pedro from Brighton

“I’m really, really happy to be here, really excited and looking forward to what is coming. The ambition that is shown in this club, when I talk with Mikel [Arteta] and Inaki [Cana], how much they show me their desire to win… I think we are so close to winning and, hopefully, altogether, we can achieve it.”

Mikel Arteta also Commented on Kepa signing for Arsenal, stating “We are really happy to have Kepa joining us. He is a player we know, having come up against him many times in recent seasons. He brings a wealth of experience, which his teammates will benefit from, and he has a real hunger to win. Kepa works hard and will elevate our levels. I know he will fit in perfectly, already knowing some of his teammates, and we are really excited about his future with us.”

Sporting Director Andrea Berta added: “We are really excited to have Kepa join our Arsenal family. He is a player with great experience, someone who has already won major trophies, and we cannot wait for him to join the group and help the club win. Kepa knows it is an exciting time to be at Arsenal and we know he is a player who will bring with him a winning mentality.”

Kepa becomes the latest player to switch from Chelsea to Arsenal, joining a list of players who have made the move between the London clubs in recent years which includes Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling. For Chelsea, the transfer doesn’t bring in a lot of money, but it does clear one long-standing issue from the books. Chelsea on the other hand has completed the signing of Joao Pedro from Brighton and are also considering bringing Emiliano Martinez to Stamford Bridge.