Arsenal Sign Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea in £5M Transfer
Arsenal have signed Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for £5 million on a three-year deal. The 30-year-old joins after a full season on loan at Bournemouth, where he made 35 appearances in the 2024–25 Premier League campaign.
Kepa arrived at Chelsea in 2018 for a world-record fee of £71 million for a goalkeeper, but struggled to live up to the price tag. Despite those early setbacks, he earned trophies during his time at Stamford Bridge, including the Champions League, Europa League, and Club World Cup.
Speaking after his move to Arsenal was confirmed, Kepa said, “I’m really, really happy to be here really excited and looking forward to what is coming. The ambition shown at this club, from Mikel Arteta and Inaki Cana, and their desire to win, convinced me. I think we’re very close to achieving something big.”
Arsenal had loaned Brazilian keeper Neto from Bournemouth during the 2024–25 season but opted against a permanent deal. Kepa will now compete with fellow Spaniard David Raya for the starting spot at Emirates Stadium.
Before joining Bournemouth, Kepa spent the 2023–24 season on loan at Real Madrid, where he was part of the squad that won both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
Kepa made 163 appearances for Chelsea across six seasons but never fully secured long-term trust as the club’s number one. His time at Chelsea was also marked by controversy, including a high-profile incident in 2019 when he refused to be substituted during the Carabao Cup final.
Despite inconsistent form, Kepa remained respected inside the dressing room. He was viewed as a committed professional and a valued team figure. His performances at Bournemouth last season helped rebuild his confidence and fitness, leading to renewed interest from top clubs.
His arrival marks another key move for Arsenal as they continue to refine their squad for the upcoming season. The deal also reflects a major financial drop from his record-setting valuation, a reminder of how drastically his market perception has shifted in recent years.
Kepa’s transfer offers Arsenal an experienced option in goal as they aim to build on their recent domestic progress and push further in European competition.
