Arsenal have opened talks over a deal for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, with the experienced Spaniard emerging as the club’s leading target to fill the backup spot behind David Raya next season.
The Gunners are in the market for a new No.2 following Neto’s return to Bournemouth after a short-term loan. Mikel Arteta is keen to bring in a goalkeeper with top-level pedigree and Kepa’s availability has made him an attractive option.
Sources have told Sporting News that while other goalkeepers remain under consideration, Arsenal have made initial contact over a potential move for the 30-year-old. Kepa has one year remaining on his Chelsea contract, with a release clause understood to be in the region of £5million ($6.7m), a fee Arsenal consider good value for a player with over 150 appearances for the west London club and significant experience in both the Premier League and Champions League.
Why are Arsenal moving for Kepa?
Arsenal had previously monitored Espanyol’s Joan Garcia, but the 23-year-old now looks set to join Barcelona.
Kepa spent last season on loan at Bournemouth, making 35 appearances in all competitions and keeping nine clean sheets as the Cherries achieved a record-high Premier League points tally (56).
Known for his reflexes and distribution, he has 13 caps for Spain and remains highly rated by coaches across Europe. He joined Chelsea in 2018 for a then-world record fee for a goalkeeper of £71.6m and has won four major honours at Stamford Bridge, including the Champions League under Thomas Tuchel.
Sporting director Andrea Berta is confident that the club’s pitch to the player, including guaranteed involvement in domestic competitions and a strong chance of silverware, will convince him to sign for the Gunners.
Meanwhile, talks remain ongoing for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško, and discussions over a potential contract extension for Thomas Partey are also progressing in the background.
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