Arsenal sign Kepa from Chelsea

Arsenal have completed the signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for a reported £5 million ($7 million) fee.

Arsenal announced the signing of the goalkeeper via a statement on Tuesday.

The Premier League club stated: “Spanish international goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has joined the club.

“The 30-year-old has won major honours for clubs and his country, and is vastly experienced in the Premier League with 140 appearances to his name.

“Kepa arrives from Chelsea, having spent the last two seasons on loan at Real Madrid and Bournemouth, and joins us to reinforce our goalkeeping unit.”

The 30-year-old Spaniard becomes Arsenal’s first signing of the close season.

Martin Zubimendi is also on the verge of arriving at the Emirates from Real Sociedad, while talks are at an advanced stage for Brentford captain Christian Norgaard.

Kepa remains the most expensive goalkeeper in history after his £71 million move to Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao in 2018.

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However, Kepa failed to deliver on that price tag as he fell down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge before spending the past two seasons on loan at Real Madrid and Bournemouth.

He is expected to act as back-up to established Arsenal number one David Raya.

Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have finished second in the Premier League for the past three seasons but have not won a major trophy since 2020.

Speaking after signing his contract, Kepa said: “I’m 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.”

Kepa will wear the number 13 shirt and will immediately join up with his new teammates.

The Star