Article by Alexandru Stanciu – published Tuesday, July 1, 2025 18:51 / Updated Tuesday, July 1, 2025 18:51
Arsenal officially announced the transfer of Kepa Arizabalaga (30 years) from Chelsea, after the “tunnels” activated the termination clause of his contract, worth 5 million pounds.
This will be the alternative to the holder David Raya (29 years old), after Neto (35) has returned to Bournemouth.
Kepa Arizabalaga was officially presented at Arsenal: “I am very happy to be here!”
Chelsea brought Kepa to the summer of 2018 from Athletic Bilbao. Then, the “blue” paid 71.8 million pounds for him, which is currently a record amount for a goalkeeper.
In the last two seasons he has played in the form of a loan, at Real Madrid and Bournemouth. He was holder for “cherries” in the previous season. It will wear the t -shirt with number 13 at Arsenal.
“I am very, very happy to be here, I am excited and I look forward to what is coming. When I spoke with Mikel Arteta and Inaki Cana, I saw the ambition of this club, their desire to win. I think we are very close to the victory and I hope to get it together, “said Kepa Arizabalaga at the presentation.
Arsenal is expected to announce two more transfers this week, Martin Zubimedi from Real Sociedad and Kristoffer Ajer from Brentford.
The Spanish goalkeeper disappointed at Chelsea. The best known moment of the Iberian goalkeeper was the conflict with coach Maurizio Sarri, in the final of the League with Manchester City in 2019.
The Italian technician wanted to introduce Willy Caballero instead of Kepa, but the Spanish goalkeeper refused to leave the land, which annoyed Sarri. Subsequently, Kepa Na managed to defend no break, and Manchester City won the trophy.
Kepa would not be the first goalkeeper who takes the step from Chelsea to Arsenal. A few years ago, the legendary Petr Cech left Chelsea and signed with the “tunnels”, for which he evolved for 4 seasons.
Over the past few years, several players have evolved for both teams in London. The list are names such as William Gallas, Emmanuel Petit, Raheem Sterling, Yossi Benayoun, Nicolas Anelka, David Luiz, Ashley Cole, Jorginho, Kai Haverrtz, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Cesc Fabregas.
