Arsenal boost goalkeeping ranks by snapping up former Real Madrid and Chelsea star Arrizabalaga

Arsenal have signed Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for a cut-price £5million.

Arrizabalaga cost the Blues £72m – a record for a goalkeeper – when he moved to Stamford Bridge in 2018 and was a key member of the side that won the Champions League, Europa League and Club World Cup.

Here to raise the levels.

Kepa Arrizabalaga is a Gunner. pic.twitter.com/8yMhga11ZC

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 1, 2025

However, his opportunities have been few and far between in recent seasons, forcing him to join Real Madrid and Bournemouth on season-long loans.

He impressed in both temporary stints, helping Madrid to the Champions League title in 2024 and keeping nine clean sheets in 35 appearances for the Cherries last term.

Arsenal are ‘close to winning’ – Arrizabalaga

Arrizabalaga will provide competition for fellow Spaniard David Raya at the Emirates.

The 30-year-old told the club’s official website: “I’m really, really happy to be here, really excited and looking forward to what is coming.

“The ambition that is shown in this club, when I talk with Mikel [Arteta] and Inaki [Cana, Arsenal’s goalkeeping coach], how much they show me their desire to win… I think we are so close to winning and, hopefully, altogether, we can achieve it.”

First summer addition for Arsenal

Arrizabalaga is Arsenal’s first signing of the summer, although Brentford captain Christian Norgaard and Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi are expected to be confirmed in the coming days. The search for a much-needed forward goes on, however, with Sweden star Viktor Gyokores still the top target.

Gunners boss Arteta said: “We are really happy to have Kepa joining us. He is a player we know, having come up against him many times in recent seasons. He brings a wealth of experience, which his teammates will benefit from, and he has a real hunger to win.

“Kepa works hard and will elevate our levels. I know he will fit in perfectly, already knowing some of his teammates, and we are really excited about his future with us.”