Arsenal are set to announce their second signing of the summer — and it’s a big name with an even bigger transfer history. Kepa Arrizabalaga, once the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, is set to join the Gunners from Chelsea after Arsenal activated a £5 million release clause in his contract.
The deal, reported by Fabrizio Romano as "here we go," brings the Spanish shot-stopper to the Emirates as a backup to fellow Spaniard David Raya.
🚨🔴⚪️ Kepa to Arsenal, here we go! Deal done for the Spanish goalkeeper to join #AFC as new backup for David Raya.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 25, 2025
Arsenal activate £5m clause from Chelsea and all documents are now sealed.
One more addition for Arteta after Martin Zubimendi. pic.twitter.com/56w04dmF8w
It’s a low-risk move for Mikel Arteta’s side, who were in need of a solid No. 2 after letting Neto return to Bournemouth.
Kepa, 30, spent last season on loan with the Cherries, where he recorded eight clean sheets in 31 appearances. While his early Chelsea years had more drama than a VAR check in stoppage time, he has rebuilt his career slowly through loan spells at Real Madrid and Bournemouth.
He arrives with plenty of top-level experience — including Champions League and La Liga titles with Madrid, and four trophies during his time at Stamford Bridge.
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When could Kepa Arrizabalaga make his Arsenal debut?
With the deal now completed and pre-season approaching fast, Kepa could wear the Arsenal shirt as early as July.
The Gunners are set to fly out for a training camp in Spain before heading to Asia for summer friendlies, including games against AC Milan, Newcastle, and arch-rivals Tottenham in Hong Kong.
While Raya remains Arteta’s first choice, Kepa’s arrival ensures Arsenal won’t be short-handed between the sticks. Thus, in case Raya is unavailable for the season opener against Manchester United, we can see Kepa making his Arsenal debut.
For fans, it’s a familiar face joining the red side of London — though they’ll be hoping for fewer heart-stopping moments than his Chelsea penalty shootout cameos.
Arsenal’s transfer business is far from over. Midfielder Martin Zubimendi was the first one to complete the move, and the club continues to hunt for a new striker, with Viktor Gyokeres high on their list.
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