Arsenal has strengthened its goalkeeping department with the signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for a reported £5 million fee.
The 30-year-old Spanish goalkeeper, who remains the most expensive goalkeeper in history after his £71 million move to Chelsea in 2018, is expected to serve as backup to David Raya.
Kepa’s move to Arsenal comes after a tumultuous spell at Chelsea, where he fell down the pecking order and spent the past two seasons on loan at Real Madrid and Bournemouth.
Despite this, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is confident that Kepa will bring a wealth of experience and a hunger to win to the team.
“We are really happy to have Kepa joining us,” Arteta said. “He brings a wealth of experience, which his teammates will benefit from, and he has a real hunger to win.”
Kepa echoed Arteta’s sentiments, expressing his desire to win with the team.
“I think we are so close to winning and, hopefully, altogether, we can achieve it,” he said in an Arsenal statement.
The signing of Kepa marks Arsenal’s first major acquisition of the close season, with the club also reportedly close to signing Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad and Brentford captain Christian Norgaard.
Arteta praised Kepa’s work ethic and ability to elevate the team’s levels. “Kepa works hard and will elevate our levels,” he said.
“I know he will fit in perfectly, already knowing some of his teammates, and we are really excited about his future with us.”
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