Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga set to join Arsenal later this week | OneFootball

Seven years after his record-breaking move to Chelsea, Kepa Arrizabalaga is set to end his association with the club.

According to The Athletic, the 30-year-old goalkeeper is expected at London Colney this week to finalise a move to Arsenal.

Arrizabalaga is coming off a productive loan spell at Bournemouth. He helped the Cherries finish ninth in the Premier League. They came close to pinching a spot in Europe but ultimately fell short.

The Spanish keeper kept eight clean sheets in 31 Premier League games for Bournemouth.

When he joined the Cherries, Chelsea inserted a £5 million release clause in his contract. Despite his impressive spell, Bournemouth opted not to activate the buy clause.

Arrizabalaga was also open to exploring his options, and Arsenal ultimately came calling.

The keeper is entering the final year of his contract with Chelsea. His previous deal was set to run out this summer, but he signed a one-year extension before joining Bournemouth on loan.

Arsenal’s interest in Arrizabalaga was far from surprising. The Gunners have made it a habit of shopping from their capital rivals over the past few years.

The Spaniard initially joined Chelsea from Athletic Club in a £72m deal in 2018, which made him the most expensive goalkeeper in the world at the time.

However, his headline move was marked by plenty of ups and downs. But he ultimately made 163 appearances for Chelsea, keeping 59 clean sheets.

He also won four major trophies with the Blues, including the Europa League, Champions League, Club World Cup and Super Cup.

Arrizabalaga will provide competition for David Raya at Arsenal, although he’ll likely have to settle for playing second fiddle.

The Spanish keeper will be Chelsea’s fourth summer exit after Marcus Bettinelli, Bashir Humphreys and Jadon Sancho.