Report: Arsenal make decisive move in goalkeeper transfer chase | OneFootball

Kepa Arrizabalaga Set for Arsenal Move as Gunners Seek Raya Backup

Arsenal are on the verge of completing a deal for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster depth behind established No 1 David Raya.

As first reported by The Athletic on 6 June, the 29-year-old Spaniard has emerged as Arsenal’s primary target to fill the backup goalkeeper role for the 2025/26 season. It marks a shift in strategy after previous interest in Espanyol’s Joan Garcia, who now looks destined for Barcelona.

£5m Deal Nearing Completion

Arrizabalaga, who spent last season on loan at Bournemouth, has a £5 million release clause in his Chelsea contract. That clause was inserted during a quiet contract extension signed before his Cherries switch, which also lowered his wages and extended his deal until June 2026.

Having joined Chelsea for a then-world record £71.6m fee for a goalkeeper in 2018, Kepa’s career has oscillated between promise and pressure. Now, with 163 appearances and four trophies under his belt, he looks set for a fresh chapter in north London.

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Solid Season at Bournemouth

Loaned to Bournemouth after a brief and limited stint at Real Madrid—where he made 20 appearances in 2023/24—Arrizabalaga became a mainstay under Andoni Iraola. He registered nine clean sheets in 35 Premier League appearances during the 2024/25 season, helping the Cherries to the joint sixth-best defensive record in the division.

That form caught Arsenal’s attention once again, especially after their own stop-gap solution last summer. The Gunners had temporarily signed Neto from Bournemouth following Aaron Ramsdale’s exit to Southampton. The 35-year-old Brazilian returned to the south coast at the end of his loan, leaving Arsenal searching once more for a reliable deputy.

Kepa’s Mentality Impresses Arsenal Hierarchy

Arsenal’s recruitment team have long admired Arrizabalaga. According to club correspondent James McNicholas, the Spaniard’s name has surfaced in internal discussions before, but the timing—and price—has now aligned perfectly.

Importantly, Kepa is said to be open to a supporting role, understanding that Raya’s strong 2024/25 season has firmly established him as first-choice. Yet the Basque-born keeper is ready to challenge for the gloves, offering a proven alternative and experience at the top level.

His career has featured spells as both first-choice and backup—most notably to Edouard Mendy at Chelsea and Andriy Lunin at Madrid. Arsenal believe this versatility, along with his professionalism, make him an ideal squad addition.

What This Means for Arsenal

While Raya remains Arteta’s undisputed No 1 heading into next season, the addition of a battle-tested goalkeeper like Arrizabalaga ensures Arsenal are well-equipped for the Champions League, domestic cup competitions, and another Premier League title push.

With Kepa’s technical ability and calmness under pressure, he’s expected to fit seamlessly into Arsenal’s possession-based style—while pushing Raya to maintain high standards.

This move also reflects a shrewd shift in Arsenal’s transfer strategy: value, versatility, and depth over big-name signings. For a club balancing ambition with sustainability, the arrival of Kepa could prove quietly crucial.