Arsenal are set to complete their first signing of the summer, with Mikel Arteta ready to unveil a surprising recruit, according to Fabrizio Romano.
While Arsenal have been heavily linked with a centre-forward in the early weeks of the summer transfer window, with Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko major targets, it’s at the other end of the field that the Gunners have secured their first reinforcement.
Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga will make the short trip to North London to hook up with the Gunners in a deal worth €5.9 million.
Romano says: “Kepa to Arsenal, here we go! Deal done for the Spanish goalkeeper to join #AFC as new backup for David Raya.
“Arsenal activate £5m clause from Chelsea and all documents are now sealed.
“One more addition for Arteta after Martin Zubimendi.”
FootballTransfers’ information is that Arsenal will formally announce the agreement on Friday.
Arsenal get Kepa at half price
Kepa joined Chelsea for €80m in the summer of 2018 from Athletic Club, making him the most expensive goalkeeper in history. It was a tag that he did not live up to in West London.
He spent two seasons at Stamford Bridge as first pick but fell out of the picture and was shifted on loan to Real Madrid in 2023/24 on loan. After failing to impose himself at the Bernabeu, he went to Bournemouth last term and was first choice as the Cherries put together a strong campaign.
Kepa rebuilt his reputation to some extent on south coast, with his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) rising to €12.1m.
Arsenal have therefore paid half price for the 30-year-old, who will arrive as competition for Raya at the Emirates Stadium with Neto heading back to Bournemouth after a season on loan.
Given Kepa’s compatriot featured 55 times for Arteta’s side last term, he has his work cut out to earn significant action.
Football transfer news headlines today
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:
