Arsenal Sign Kepa Arrizabalaga for Just £5m in Surprise Transfer

In a quietly strategic move, Arsenal sign Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for just £5 million, a fraction of the world-record £71.8 million the Blues paid Athletic Club for him in 2018. The 30-year-old Spaniard joins the Gunners on a permanent deal after a strong loan spell at Bournemouth, where he kept eight clean sheets and averaged over three saves per game.

With Aaron Ramsdale having departed for regular minutes at Southampton last summer, Arsenal scrambled on deadline day to fill the backup keeper role with Neto on loan from Bournemouth. However, after just four uninspiring appearances, Neto is set to return to his parent club, prompting the Gunners to re-enter the market.

This time, the club moved swiftly—and efficiently.

Kepa’s Impressive Loan Sparks Arsenal’s Interest

The Gunners’ interest in Kepa isn’t new. Key figures at the club have reportedly admired his professionalism and mentality, especially during his stints as a backup at both Chelsea and Real Madrid. According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, a clause in Kepa’s Chelsea contract allowed him to leave for as little as £5 million following his loan, and Arsenal were quick to trigger it.

Kepa is reportedly eager to compete with David Raya—currently the undisputed first-choice and a two-time Premier League Golden Glove winner. Despite the limited playing time expected, Kepa’s experience and reliability offer solid insurance for Mikel Arteta.

Arteta Continues Goalkeeper Rotation Era

Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have seen consistent changes between the posts. From Bernd Leno to Emiliano Martinez, then Aaron Ramsdale and now David Raya, the goalkeeper position has never been static. The addition of Kepa continues that trend—though his role will likely be supportive rather than starring.

Arsenal had previously been linked with Espanyol’s Joan Garcia, but the move collapsed last summer. Garcia now appears set to join Barcelona, leaving Arsenal to secure Kepa instead—a decision that may prove to be one of the window’s most quietly effective signings.

With experience at the top level and a willingness to fight for his place, Kepa brings depth, stability, and big-match composure to a squad preparing for another intense Premier League and Champions League campaign. For more transfer news, do check out the link below.