KEPA Arrizabalaga has been established to sign for Arsenal in a £ 5 million deal from Chelsea and will offer competition to colleague Spain International David Raya at the Emirates
Arsenal closes a reduced price of £ 5 million to sign goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea with the Spain International Set to offer competition to countryman David Raya. Kepa became the world's most expensive keeper when he moved from Athletic Bilbao to Stamford Bridge seven seasons ago in a £ 72 million deal.
But he spent on loan in Bournemouth last season, except for three Premier League matches, after signing a new deal at his parent club with a release clause of £ 5 million and also saw his salary lowered considerably.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca does not consider him part of his plans in the future. He played 163 times for the club, held 59 clean sheets and won four major awards. But he last played for them in 2023 after he was also sent on loan to Real Madrid, where he made 20 performances.
Bournemouth wanted to make his switch to the south coast permanently with head coach Andoni Iraola and said: “I think it is a matter of negotiating with Kepa himself and with Chelsea. I think both parties are very happy with his loan saying.”
Kepa, 30, however, is now ready to become the newest player who exchanges Chelsea for the Gunners. Raheem Sterling spent a difficult enchantment in the Emirates in the season just past, alongside former Blues Kai Havertz and Jorginho. The Gunners initially loved Espanyol Joan Garcia, but he seems to be more and more destined for Barcelona.
Mikel Arteta's striving for a new center continues, meanwhile, with Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres near the top of their wish list.
A deal to sign Spain -midfielder Martin Zubimendi is also progressing, with the real Sociedad star having a release clause of £ 51 million.
In the meantime, Chelsea has already landed Liam Delap from the relegated city of Ipswich in what is expected to be another hectic transfer window in West London.
And the new addition will perform in the controversial FIFA Club World Cup that starts next weekend because he was not selected by the England under 21 for their defense of the European Championships.