Arsenal have signed goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea to bolster their ranks, the 30-year-old set to compete with David Raya for a starting spot for The Gunners next season. The Spain international spent last season on loan at Bournemouth, before Arsenal triggered a release clause in his contract to bring him to the Emirates Stadium.
Kepa Arrizabalaga has moved from Chelsea to Arsenal, the most expensive goalkeeper in the world leaving Stamford Bridge behind after seven years with the club.
The Spaniard leaves Stamford Bridge having won the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and FIFA Club World Cup.
Kepa signed for Chelsea in 2018 for a reported £71.6 million but struggled to adapt to life in west London. He went on loan to Real Madrid during the 2023/24 campaign before spending last season with Premier League club Bournemouth.
"I'm really, really happy to be here, really excited and looking forward to what is coming," Kepa told Arsenal's official website. "The ambition that is shown in this club, when I talk with Mikel [Arteta] and Inaki [Cana], how much they show me their desire to win…
"I think we are so close to winning and, hopefully, altogether, we can achieve it."
He impressed during his time with The Cherries, going on to make 31 Premier League appearances for the club.
He was a crucial part of a defence that was key to Bournemouth's ninth-place finish in the Premier League. Arsenal finished second in the table for the third season running last term. Mikel Arteta believes Kepa's experienced could be key next season.
"We are really happy to have Kepa joining us," Arteta added. "He is a player we know, having come up against him many times in recent seasons.
"He brings a wealth of experience, which his teammates will benefit from, and he has a real hunger to win. Kepa works hard and will elevate our levels.
"I know he will fit in perfectly, already knowing some of his teammates, and we are really excited about his future with us."