Arsenal close to finalising deal for Chelsea flop Kepa Arrizabalaga

Arsenal are close to sealing a deal for Chelsea flop Kepa Arrizabalaga, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein. 

The Gunners have been looking to sign a deputy to first-choice goalkeeper David Raya. 

They were previously linked with Espanyol’s Joan Garcia, but Barcelona have now emerged as favourites to land the 24-year-old. 

Arsenal recently turned their focus to Arrizabalaga, and they are now close to finalising a deal for him. 

The North Londoners are reportedly poised to trigger the £5 million release clause in the Spaniard’s current contract at Stamford Bridge. 

Mikel Arteta’s side brought in Neto from Bournemouth last summer after Aaron Ramsdale left to join Southampton. 

The Brazilian returned to his parent club at the end of his loan deal. 

Arrizabalaga joined Chelsea in 2018 for a world record £72m fee from Athletic Bilbao, but he failed to justify the enormous price tag with his performances.  

He was sent out on loan to Real Madrid in 2023-24 but struggled for first-team opportunities at the La Liga club. 

The 30-year-old made only 14 appearances in the Spanish top-flight, conceding nine goals and keeping eight clean sheets.  

However, Arrizabalaga fared much better in his next loan spell at Bournemouth last season. 

He established himself as a first-choice goalkeeper for the Cherries, making 31 league appearances and keeping eight clean sheets to help them secure a ninth-place finish. 

Signing Arrizabalaga who boasts Premier League experience for only £5m would represent excellent transfer business from Arsenal.

Stats from Transfermarkt