Arsenal Secures Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea

Arsenal has officially announced the acquisition of Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea. The Premier League team confirmed the transfer on Tuesday.

Reports indicate that Arsenal activated a release clause of five million pounds ($6.86 million) to secure the player, who was once the world’s most expensive goalkeeper.

Kepa, aged 30, initially joined Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao in 2018, signing a seven-year contract for a deal worth 71 million pounds.

Kepa’s Perspective on the Transfer

Expressing his thoughts on the move, Kepa shared his excitement for the new chapter and his ambition to achieve significant accomplishments with his new team.

“I am incredibly happy to be joining Arsenal, and I’m eager to get started. I’m looking forward to what the future holds,” Kepa stated.

He further added, “The ambition displayed by this club, particularly in my conversations with Mikel Arteta and Inaki Cana, and their strong desire to win, is evident. I believe we are on the verge of success, and I hope that together, we can achieve great things.”

Past Achievements and Loan Spells

The Spanish international’s previous successes include winning the Europa League in 2019, the Champions League two years later, and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2022. He has spent the previous two seasons on loan.

During the last season, Kepa served as Bournemouth’s primary goalkeeper. In the 2023/24 season, he contributed to Real Madrid’s triumphs in LaLiga and the Champions League.

Before his loan to Bournemouth in August, Kepa extended his Chelsea contract until 2026. He has now committed to a three-year agreement with Arsenal.

Manager’s Comments

Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, expressed his satisfaction with the signing, stating that he believes Kepa will seamlessly integrate into the team.

“We are delighted to welcome Kepa to Arsenal. He is a player we are familiar with, having faced him numerous times in recent seasons. He brings a great deal of experience, which will benefit his teammates, and he possesses a strong desire to win,” Arteta commented.

Arteta concluded, “Kepa is a dedicated player who will raise our standards. I am confident that he will fit in perfectly, especially since he already knows some of his teammates, and we are excited about his future with us.”