Arsenal have secured the signing of Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for a reported £5 million ($7 million), the club announced on Tuesday.
The 30-year-old, who remains the world’s most expensive goalkeeper following his £71 million move to Chelsea in 2018, will serve as backup to first-choice David Raya.
Kepa’s arrival marks Arsenal’s first signing of the summer transfer window. The Gunners activated a £5 million release clause in the goalkeeper’s Chelsea contract, which was inserted during his loan spells at Real Madrid and Bournemouth over the past two seasons.
“I think we are so close to winning and, hopefully, altogether, we can achieve it,” Kepa said in Arsenal’s official announcement, referencing the club’s three consecutive second-place Premier League finishes under Mikel Arteta.
Arteta welcomed his compatriot, stating: “We are really happy to have Kepa joining us. 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.”
Despite his record transfer fee six years ago, Kepa struggled to justify his price tag at Chelsea, eventually losing his starting position before his loan moves. At Arsenal, he will provide experienced competition for Raya as the club seeks to end its trophy drought dating back to 2020.
The signing comes as Arsenal continue strengthening their squad, with Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi reportedly close to joining and advanced talks underway for Brentford captain Christian Norgaard.
