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Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea in a deal worth £5 million.
The Spain international joins the Gunners on a three-year contract following a successful loan spell at Bournemouth last season, where he made 35 appearances.
Speaking after the move, Kepa expressed his enthusiasm about joining Arsenal. "I'm really, really happy to be here, really excited and looking forward to what is coming," he said. "The ambition that is shown in this club, when I spoke with Mikel Arteta and Inaki Cana, I could feel their desire to win. I believe we are very close to achieving something great and hopefully we can do it together."
Now 30 years old, Kepa still holds the record as the most expensive goalkeeper in the world, following his £71 million transfer from Athletic Bilbao to Chelsea in 2018.
At Arsenal, he will compete for a starting position with fellow Spaniard David Raya. During the 2024–25 season, Arsenal had Brazilian goalkeeper Neto on loan from Bournemouth, but the club chose not to make the move permanent.
Kepa made 163 appearances for Chelsea and was part of the squads that won the Champions League, Europa League, and FIFA Club World Cup. He also had a loan spell with Real Madrid during the 2023–24 season, helping them secure both the La Liga title and the Champions League trophy.
BBC Sport football reporter Nizaar Kinsella noted that Kepa struggled to live up to the expectations that came with his record-breaking fee. He was seen as Chelsea's best option in 2018 when Thibaut Courtois left the club and Alisson rejected a move to Stamford Bridge in favor of Liverpool.
Athletic Bilbao forced Chelsea to pay Kepa's full release clause, and his early performances fell short of justifying the £71 million fee and a salary of £190,000 per week.
Despite these challenges, Kepa remained a respected figure in the dressing room. He was known for his professionalism, team spirit, and character. However, his refusal to be substituted in the 2019 Carabao Cup final remains one of the most controversial moments in his career.
While Kepa has always been a capable goalkeeper, many feel he was never the type to warrant a world record fee.
