London, July 1, 2025 — Premier League side Arsenal have completed the signing of Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea after triggering his £5 million release clause, the club confirmed on Tuesday.
The 30‑year‑old, once the world’s most expensive goalkeeper following his £71 million move from Athletic Bilbao to Chelsea in 2018, has agreed to a three‑year deal at the Emirates, where he will wear the number 13 shirt.
The transfer marks the end of Kepa’s seven‑year spell at Chelsea, during which he was part of squads that won the Europa League (2019), Champions League (2021), Club World Cup (2022), and the recent Champions League and La Liga titles while on loan at Real Madrid .
Last season, Kepa revived his career with a strong loan campaign at Bournemouth, starting 31 Premier League matches and keeping eight clean sheets. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, echoing the view of transfer experts like Charles Watts, described the signing as “a no‑brainer”—a smart acquisition that bolsters depth and experience behind first‑choice keeper David Raya .
While Kepa is expected to serve as Ray’s understudy, the move adds valuable competition and insurance in goal. His arrival sets the tone for what promises to be an active summer of recruitment for Arsenal, who aim to build on their recent runner‑up finishes in the Premier League and compete for major trophies this season .
