Arsenal grabbed Spanish keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from London rivals Chelsea. The 30-year-old shot-stopper will back up first-choice David Raya between the posts. Manager Mikel Arteta wanted a reliable second goalkeeper for the coming season. Kepa spent the past two campaigns away from Stamford Bridge on loan deals. He played for Real Madrid first and Bournemouth most recently.
ESPN sources revealed Arsenal also chased Joan García from Espanyol. The younger Spanish keeper picked Barcelona over the Gunners instead. Kepa impressed during his Bournemouth stint with nine clean sheets from 35 matches. The Cherries finished with the sixth-best defensive record across the Premier League. His solid performances convinced Arsenal chiefs to make their move.
The goalkeeper will take over from Brazilian Neto at the Emirates Stadium. Neto heads back to Bournemouth after spending one year in North London. Chelsea originally bought Kepa from Athletic Club back in 2018. The Blues paid a massive 80 million euros to land the keeper. That transfer fee made him the most expensive goalkeeper in football history.
Kepa collected some major silverware during his seven years at Chelsea. He lifted the Champions League, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup trophies. The Spanish international posted a heartfelt goodbye message to Chelsea supporters on Instagram. He thanked the club for seven amazing years and called Stamford Bridge his home and family.
ESPN sources revealed Arsenal also chased Joan García from Espanyol. The younger Spanish keeper picked Barcelona over the Gunners instead. Kepa impressed during his Bournemouth stint with nine clean sheets from 35 matches. The Cherries finished with the sixth-best defensive record across the Premier League. His solid performances convinced Arsenal chiefs to make their move.
The goalkeeper will take over from Brazilian Neto at the Emirates Stadium. Neto heads back to Bournemouth after spending one year in North London. Chelsea originally bought Kepa from Athletic Club back in 2018. The Blues paid a massive 80 million euros to land the keeper. That transfer fee made him the most expensive goalkeeper in football history.
Kepa collected some major silverware during his seven years at Chelsea. He lifted the Champions League, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup trophies. The Spanish international posted a heartfelt goodbye message to Chelsea supporters on Instagram. He thanked the club for seven amazing years and called Stamford Bridge his home and family.
