Mikel Arteta looks set to acquire his first signing for Arsenal in this summer transfer window as reports suggests the Gunners are in the process of finalising a deal to bring in Chelsea goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The 30-year-old goalkeeper, who spent the 2024-25 season on loan at Bournemouth, helping the Cherries to finish eighth in the Premier League, has a £5m release clause at the Blues which the Gunners still need to activate before sealing a deal.
Arsenal are in search of a keeper to deputise first-choice David Raya, with another Spaniard, Neto, spending last season on loan at the Emirates Stadium from Bournemouth – the Gunners choosing not to make that loan into a permanent deal.
The Gunners were previously linked with Espanyol keeper, Joan Garcia, who would have cost around £20m. However, Garcia looks set for a move across town to La Liga champions, Barcelona, prompting Arsenal to make a move for Kepa.
Before Bournemouth, Kepa spent a season on loan at Real Madrid as it became clearer he did not have a future at Stamford Bridge. The former Spain number one joined Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao for record £72m in 2017.
Kepa helped Chelsea to win the Europa League in 2019, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2021, before losing his starting place at the West London side.