‎Everything to know about Kepa Arrizabalaga's transfer to Arsenal

By: Shawn
‎Arsenal have officially completed the signing of Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga by activating the £5 million release clause in his contract. This move marks a significant transfer, with Kepa joining the Gunners on a three-year deal after spending last season on loan at Bournemouth.
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Arsenal complete the £5m signing of Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga on a three-year deal. The experienced keeper joins to challenge David Raya.
‎Getty Images (2)
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‎Kepa, 30, originally joined Chelsea in 2018 for a world-record fee of £71.8 million for a goalkeeper from Athletic Club. However, after several mixed seasons and a loan spell at Bournemouth where he was the first-choice goalkeeper, he has now opted for a fresh start at Arsenal. The Gunners view Kepa as experienced cover and healthy competition for their current international goalkeeper David Raya.
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‎During his loan spell, Kepa made 35 Premier League starts for Bournemouth, contributing significantly to the club’s best-ever finish in the top flight. His performances evidently caught the attention of Arsenal, who were impressed by his eagerness to compete for the starting role.
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‎Arsenal’s Sporting Director Andrea Berta praised Kepa’s winning mentality and experience, highlighting the goalkeeper’s potential to add strength and depth to the squad. Manager Mikel Arteta echoed this sentiment, underlining Kepa’s hunger to win and his ability to raise team standards.
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‎Kepa replaces Neto, who returned to his parent club following a season-long loan. Arsenal’s move to sign Kepa is their first major signing of the summer, with midfield targets Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard expected to follow.
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‎The transfer is notable given the contrast between Kepa’s original £71.8m transfer fee and the modest £5m release clause Arsenal utilized to bring him to the Emirates Stadium. This low fee came as part of a new contract agreement with Chelsea last summer, which included a pay cut and facilitated his loan move to Bournemouth.
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‎Upon signing, Kepa expressed his excitement about joining Arsenal, emphasizing the club’s ambition and his readiness to contribute to future success.
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‎Meanwhile, Arsenal’s transfer interests also extend to LaLiga defender Cristhian Mosquera, with Valencia reportedly willing to negotiate a £25 million deal provided he joins a Champions League club.

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