When Kepa Arrizabalaga shattered the world record for a goalkeeper in August 2018, moving from Athletic Bilbao to Chelsea for around €80 million, few predicted the twists his career would take. Now, less than seven years later, he's made another splashy switch—this time to Arsenal.
⚽ The Big Move: Chelsea → Arsenal
On July 1, 2025, Arsenal officially triggered a £5 million release clause to sign Kepa from Chelsea on a three-year contract, likely extending to 2028. The Gunners see him as a seasoned backup to first-choice keeper David Raya, adding depth and experience between the sticks.
🏆 A Trophy-Laden Journey
Kepa leaves Chelsea with an impressive honors list:
- UEFA Europa League 2019
- UEFA Champions League 2021
- FIFA Club World Cup 2022
He also enjoyed loan spells with Real Madrid (part of their La Liga and Champions League-winning squad in 2024) and AFC Bournemouth, where his 35 appearances last season helped secure their place mid-table.
🎙️ Kepa Speaks: Feeling at Home Already
On signing, Kepa expressed excitement, saying:
I'm really, really happy to be here, really excited... the ambition that is shown in this club… we are so close to winning.
Manager Mikel Arteta echoed this, praising Kepa's wealth of experience and hunger to win—qualities expected to uplift Arsenal's goalkeeping unit.
🔄 Why the Switch?
From Athletic Bilbao to Chelsea
A meteoric rise from Basque youth ranks to a record-breaking transfer .
Loan Moves & Revival
Experience with Real Madrid and a strong season at Bournemouth somewhat rehabilitated his reputation.
Fresh Start at Arsenal
Now, at 30, he gets a new platform to challenge David Raya and join a side eager to claim Premier League silverware.
🧩 Role at Arsenal
Squad Role
Kepa is expected to be second choice—ready to step in whenever needed.
Mentorship & Competition
His presence pushes Raya and benefits the entire backline with European and top-level experience.
Shirt & Squad Number
He’ll don #13 and formally join pre-season training at the Sobha Realty Training Centre.
🔜 What's Next?
Competition for the Starting Spot
Monitor pre-season friendlies to see if Arteta tests Kepa against Raya.
Transfer Window Watch
Arsenal remains on the hunt for attacking reinforcements—Eze, Rodrygo, Viktor Gyökeres, Benjamin Sesko, Christian Nørgaard, and Martín Zubimendi are all in the frame.
Chelsea's Replacement
With Kepa gone, Chelsea might invest in another shot-stopper like Robert Sánchez, although a move remains uncertain.
⚖️ Final Word
Kepa Arrizabalaga’s move to Arsenal is one of 2025’s most eye-catching transfers—not only for its symbolism (cross-London switch at a bargain fee), but also for what it signals: Arsenal's ambition and Kepa's personal resurgence. Whether he remains a backup or ultimately competes with David Raya, his journey continues with purpose.
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