Journalist: Arsenal in talks to sign Chelsea player for just £5m | OneFootball

Arsenal Eye Shock Move for Chelsea Keeper Kepa at Bargain Fee

Arsenal’s summer clear-out has raised eyebrows, but none more so than their latest link with Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga. As reported by TeamTalk, the Gunners are exploring a move for the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, who is now available for a cut-price fee of just £5 million.

It’s a dramatic fall in valuation from the £71.6 million Chelsea paid to Athletic Bilbao in 2018. The 30-year-old Spaniard, who spent last season on loan at Bournemouth, may now find himself switching allegiances within London as Arsenal seek a back-up to David Raya.

Sky Sports journalist Luca Bendoni shared on X, “Arsenal are considering a potential deal for Chelsea’s GK Kepa Arrizabalaga, who is available for a £5m release clause.” This information was later confirmed by renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, who added, “Arsenal are informed on £5m release clause for Kepa as option to be David Raya’s backup. Initial talks took place to be informed on deal conditions, as Sky UK reports.”

Given Raya’s stronghold on the No.1 shirt, Kepa’s arrival would not be to challenge but to supplement, offering proven quality in reserve—a pragmatic yet unglamorous move.

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Kepa’s Chelsea journey nears its final chapter

Chelsea have clearly moved on from Kepa. Despite a solid spell at Bournemouth where he displaced Neto, the Spaniard doesn’t appear to factor into new plans at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea’s focus has turned to AC Milan’s Mike Maignan, with a deal in the region of €10 million potentially in the works, though Milan are seeking closer to €30 million.

Even if Chelsea fall short in the Maignan pursuit, it’s understood Kepa will not be reinstated.

TeamTalk reported, “Even if Chelsea fail to sign Maignan, Kepa will not get a reprieve at Stamford Bridge.”

That makes Arsenal’s interest timely. The player is surplus at his current club, available on a modest release clause, and still boasts elite-level experience.

Squad balance and experience drive decision

Arsenal’s decision to pursue Kepa is not a move born out of necessity but strategy. With Neto’s departure following a brief and uneventful loan spell, Mikel Arteta is seeking someone reliable to deputise behind Raya, and Kepa fits that profile.

Once viewed as error-prone and fragile in confidence, Kepa has matured through adversity. His stint at Bournemouth was modest but solid, and at 30, he brings both Premier League experience and Champions League pedigree.

Whether he sees value in playing second fiddle remains unclear. But should he accept the terms, Arsenal would gain a sharp and seasoned alternative to Raya, capable of stepping in without destabilising the backline.

Chelsea’s pragmatism signals shift in recruitment model

Chelsea’s willingness to offload Kepa for a fraction of his original fee is not just a sign of how far the player’s stock has dropped, but also a reflection of the club’s renewed emphasis on sustainability and efficiency in the transfer market.

Once synonymous with headline-grabbing spending, the Blues are now seeking undervalued opportunities. If they can secure Maignan for €10 million, they may consider that a tactical masterstroke.

In that sense, both Arsenal and Chelsea are adapting—one by acquiring smart squad depth, the other by shedding weight and recalibrating their roster with greater fiscal responsibility.

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From an Arsenal supporter’s perspective, this is a move that may underwhelm some but quietly reassures others. £5 million for Kepa feels like an intelligent piece of business. He has played in major finals, endured intense scrutiny, and still managed to carve out a decent career. For a club looking to compete on multiple fronts, squad depth, especially in goal, is non-negotiable.

There will be questions about his willingness to settle for a back-up role. But from a fan’s standpoint, having a No.2 with that level of experience is a welcome change from the usual untested youth or injury-prone loanees. Raya cannot play every minute of every competition, and we’ve seen how crucial capable understudies can be.

While this may not be the marquee signing supporters dream of, it’s a responsible, forward-thinking move. Arteta has often emphasised character and adaptability, and Kepa—bruised yet composed—might just fit the bill. If this deal materialises, it could quietly prove to be one of the smartest value buys of the window.