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Arsenal are close to finalising a deal for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga according to the Athletic's ever-reliable David Ornstein.
The Gunners' interest in the Spaniard was first reported on Thursday with Fabrizio Romano revealing they were considering a deal for him after their hopes of signing Joan Garcia plummeted following his agreement with Barcelona. The Athletic revealed yesterday that Kepa was their priority target and it now seems as if they will get a deal across the line.
Ornstein claims the deal is in the process of being finalised with Arsenal now in need of activating the £5m release clause inserted in his Chelsea contract.
Arsenal close to finalising deal for Kepa
Kepa gradually fell out of favour at Chelsea with the introductions of Edouard Mendy, Robert Sanchez and others to the squad and that saw him spend consecutive campaigns away from the English capital.
He made just 20 appearances for Real Madrid before playing a key part in Bournemouth's record-breaking 2024/25 season. Despite his impressive performances for the Cherries, he remains out of Enzo Maresca's plans in west London, meaning he is available for a move away.
Arsenal have done brilliantly to pounce on a great deal for a good goalkeeper. While he will be signed from a rival, Kepa is more than capable of acting as a suitable backup to first-choice David Raya and will be able to step up whenever he plays.
He is being signed as a deputy, but the Spaniard is ready to fight his comrade for the number one spot at Arsenal. Kepa is reported to understand the goalkeeping hierarchy at the club, but won't back down from supporting and competing with his superior.
This should actually help Raya to keep putting in his best performances week in, week out. Arteta has shown by replacing Bernd Leno and Aaron Ramsdale in a matter of seasons that he isn't afraid to kick out underperforming shotstoppers. Raya rarely slips up, but if he does, Kepa will be ready to pounce as a steady replacement.
The signing of the world's most expensive goalkeeper should prove to be a piece of shrewd business by Arsenal. He will join for a cheap price, but will also provide the Gunners with what is needed from a solid backup 'keeper choice.