Arsenal close in on £5m transfer for Chelsea flop | OneFootball

Arsenal are reportedly “close” to wrapping up a £5 million deal for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga in the summer transfer window.

The Gunners are in the market for a new shot stopper to provide cover and competition for current number one David Raya.

Arsenal had been interested in Espanyol’s Joan Garcia, but the Spaniard is instead set to sign for Barcelona. Veteran goalkeeper Neto has returned to Bournemouth following his loan spell at Arsenal last season.

Arsenal close in on £5m transfer for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa

Kepa emerged as a viable, and cheap, option after impressing while on loan at Bournemouth. The move saw the 30-year-old sign new terms with Chelsea, extending his contract until 2026, which includes a £5m release clause, while reducing his salary.

Arsenal have taken advantage of Kepa’s bargain price tag as they are “close to finalising” a deal to sign the Blues flop, according to The Athletic.

The Spain international ranked fourth in the Premier League for save percentage (71.9 percent) in 2024/25 and sixth overall for expected goals prevented.

Kepa spent the previous season on loan at Real Madrid, having failed to live up to expectations since his world-record £71m move to Stamford Bridge from Athletic Club in 2018.

Arsenal have been busy this week. In addition to working on a deal for Arrizabalaga, they have signed Gabriel Magalhaes to a new contract while they are also said to be ‘advancing’ in talks to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.

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