Arsenal close to finalising deal for Chelsea goalie Kepa Arrizabalaga | OneFootball

Arsenal are close to sealing a deal for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

The Gunners have been looking to sign a deputy for David Raya.

They were previously linked with Espanyol’s Joan Garcia, but Barcelona have now emerged as favourites to land sign him.

Arsenal recently turned their attention to Arrizabalaga, and they are now close to finalising a deal for him.

They are reportedly poised to trigger the £5 million release clause in the Spaniard’s current contract.

Arsenal brought in Neto from Bournemouth last summer after Aaron Ramsdale left to join Southampton.

The Brazilian returned to his parent club at the end of his loan deal.

Arrizabalaga joined Chelsea for a world record £72m fee from Athletic Bilbao in 2018, but he failed to justify the enormous price tag.

He was sent out on loan to Real Madrid in 2023-24 but struggled for first-team opportunities.

The 30-year-old made only 14 appearances in the Spanish top-flight, conceding nine goals and keeping eight clean sheets.

However, Arrizabalaga fared much better in his next loan spell at Bournemouth last season.

He established himself as a first-choice goalkeeper for the Cherries, making 31 league appearances and keeping eight clean sheets to help them secure a ninth-place finish.

Signing Arrizabalaga for only £5m would represent excellent transfer business for Arsenal.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com.