Arsenal are reportedly eyeing a surprise move for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The 30-year-old Spaniard, who was on loan at Bournemouth this past season, managed to keep eight clean sheets in 31 Premier League games.
Once the most expensive goalkeeper in history following his £72million move to Chelsea in 2018, Kepa is now deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge.
His time with the Blues fell short of expectations, with recent loan spells at Real Madrid and Bournemouth marking his steady departure from Chelsea’s plans. His last appearance for the club came in 2023.
Now, a permanent exit appears imminent. According to Sky Sports, Arsenal have shown interest in bringing Kepa to the Emirates to serve as a backup option behind current first-choice David Raya.
Thanks to a release clause inserted into his contract before his loan switch to Bournemouth, Kepa could be available for just £5million, more than 14 times less than what Chelsea originally paid.
Should the Gunners succeed in luring him across London, it would mark a significant bargain signing in today’s inflated transfer market.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth’s Neto, who spent time on loan with Arsenal, made just a single appearance last season.
Arsenal had also been linked with Espanyol shot-stopper Joan Garcia earlier this summer.
However, the highly-rated La Liga keeper is now reportedly set for a switch to Barcelona.
Despite their pursuit of a new goalkeeper, Mikel Arteta and his coaching staff still view David Raya as the club’s undisputed No. 1.
