Arsenal finally announce their first signing of the summer

Arsenal have finally announced their first signing of the summer, confirming a deal for goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The Gunners have completed a move for the shotstopper from rivals Chelsea after they activated the £5m release clause in his Blues contract. Following Neto's return to Bournemouth, bringing in a new backup option between the sticks was one of the club's priorities this summer and the signing of Kepa has answered that need.

He should be the first of many signings Arsenal make during the transfer window, but it's just good to see an official announcement for a long-awaited first new name added.

Arsenal confirm signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga

Kepa joins Arsenal from London rivals Chelsea after two consecutive loans away from west London with Real Madrid and Bournemouth respectively, but has now made the switch across the capital to provide reinforcement in goal for the Gunners.

His time at Chelsea was very mixed to say the least. He joined the Blues as the world's most expensive goalkeeper in a deal worth around £71m, but had spells in and out of the team before eventually sealing a move away.

Multiple reports have suggested Kepa has put pen to paper on a three-year deal at Arsenal, keeping him at the club until 2028. At 30-years-old, he will provide valuable experience within the squad during his time at the Emirates Stadium.

On signing for the Gunners, Kepa said: "I'm really, really happy to be here, really excited and looking forward to what is coming.

"The ambition that is shown in this club, when I talk with Mikel [Arteta] and Inaki [Cana], how much they show me their desire to win… I think we are so close to winning and, hopefully, altogether, we can achieve it."

Manager Mikel Arteta said: "We are really happy to have Kepa joining us. He is a player we know, having come up against him many times in recent seasons. 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."

The Spaniard is set to wear the number 13 shirt, becoming the 11th Arsenal player to be assigned it during the Premier League era and the first since Alex Runarsson donned the digits during the 2020/21 season.

Kepa will now join up with his new teammates at Arsenal's training ground ahead of preparations for their pre-season tour, which begins in just under three weeks.

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