Arsenal have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for £5 million, activating a release clause in the Spanish international’s contract. The move sees Kepa join as backup and competition for first-choice goalkeeper David Raya, addressing the Gunners’ long-standing need for goalkeeping rotation.
Kepa’s transfer marks a dramatic twist in his career: seven years after joining Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao for a then-world-record €80 million (making him the most expensive goalkeeper in history), he departs Stamford Bridge for a fraction of his original fee. The 29-year-old, who has earned 13 caps for Spain, spent six seasons with the Blues, making 163 appearances and playing a key role in their 2021 UEFA Champions League triumph. He was loaned to Bournemouth last season. However, his time in London was also marked by controversy, most notably his refusal to be substituted in the 2019 League Cup final, an incident that drew widespread scrutiny.
