Arsenal are reportedly on the verge of signing Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea as they look to bolster their goalkeeper options ahead of the new season.
The Gunners have identified the goalkeeper position as a key priority this summer, aiming to find a reliable deputy for current No.1 David Raya.
After months of evaluating potential candidates, Arsenal have swiftly moved to negotiate with both Kepa and Chelsea, with the Spaniard’s contract including a £5 million release clause facilitating the deal.
Sources suggest that all parties are now close to finalising the transfer.
Previously, Arsenal had expressed interest in Espanyol’s Joan Garcia, but the 24-year-old is now expected to join Barcelona, prompting Arsenal to explore alternative targets before zeroing in on Kepa.
Last season, Kepa was loaned to Bournemouth where he featured as their first-choice goalkeeper. Before that, he spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Real Madrid after it became clear he was surplus to requirements at Chelsea.
The goalkeeper situation at Chelsea remains unsettled this summer, and it appears Kepa, once their first-choice keeper, was not in contention to regain the number one spot.
Kepa joined Chelsea in 2017 from Athletic Bilbao for a club-record £72 million fee and has earned 13 senior caps for Spain during his career.
