Arsenal have finalised the signing of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea after activating a £5 million ($7m) release clause in his contract. This transfer marks the end of Arrizabalaga’s seven-year spell at Chelsea, during which he made 163 appearances and secured four major trophies. His initial switch to the Blues in 2018 from Athletic Club for £72m ($99m) still stands as the most expensive transfer ever for a goalkeeper.
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Arsenal sign ArrizabalagaThe Gunners add competition for RayaSpaniard ready to fight for his placeFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Despite knowing that David Raya remains firmly established as Arsenal's starting goalkeeper, Arrizabalaga is not daunted by the competition. Sources close to the player reportedly suggest he is prepared to push hard for playing time and offer both depth and experience to the squad.
Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
In the summer of 2024, Arrizabalaga extended his stay at Chelsea by a year, keeping him under contract until June 2026. However, shortly after renewing, he was loaned out to Bournemouth for the 2024–25 season. At Bournemouth, Arrizabalaga replaced the experienced Neto, who ironically joined Arsenal on loan, as the Cherries’ first-choice keeper. The Spaniard excelled under manager Andoni Iraola, playing 35 Premier League matches and securing nine clean sheets.
WHAT ARRIZABLAGA SAID
After sealing his transfer to Arsenal, Arrizabalaga wrote a heartfelt message on Instagram: "THANK YOU, CHELSEA. After seven unforgettable years, the time has come to close a very special chapter in my life. Chelsea was my home, my family, and the place where I grew both as a footballer and as a person.
"I arrived full of dreams and I leave with unforgettable memories: titles like the Champions League, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup… but above all, moments shared with incredible people on and off the pitch. Thank you to the coaches, the staff, my teammates, and most of all, to you, the fans. Wearing this badge has been an honour and a source of pride. Now a new chapter begins, and I face it with the same passion and commitment as always. I leave with a heart full of gratitude. With love and respect, Kepa Arrizabalaga."
AFPWHAT NEXT FOR KEPA?
Arsenal’s technical staff have reportedly admired Kepa for years, and this move ends a long-running interest, as revealed by . The minimal release fee made him an attractive option for several clubs, but it was the north London side that ultimately secured his signature.