Kepa Arrizabalaga of Arsenal FC controls the ball during the 49th Trofeu Costa Daurada friendly match between Girona FC and Arsenal FC at Estadi Montilivi, on August 1, 2026
Kepa Arrizabalaga is being slammed by Arsenal fans.Imago
Arsenal

'Terminate his contract' - Arsenal fans want Kepa Arrizabalaga gone footage emerges

Harri Burton
Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Kepa Arrizabalaga is under the spotlight for all the wrong reasons once again after Arsenal's friendly defeat to Real Betis.

Mikel Arteta was left frustrated by a 3-1 defeat at the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday, 5 August, conceding three goals in the opening 45 minutes.

Rodrigo Riquelme netted after just nine minutes, followed by a beatiful long-range strike from Nelson Deossa, one which left Kepa stranded in between the sticks.

And despite one goal back from Piero Hincapie, former West Ham United star Pablo Fornals fired home before breaking out the Hammers celebration.

It was far from ideal for a preparation game ahead of 2026-27, especially if the Gunners are to go for back-to-back Premier League titles.

Now, huge red flags have been raised over Kepa as Arsenal's second-choice goalkeeper, with David Raya still on holiday after the 2026 World Cup.

'Selling Kepa Arrizabalaga would be a crime against football'

The 31-year-old shot-stopper's biggest weakness has often been commanding his penalty area and coming to claim high balls into the box.

Against Real Betis, it was absolutely no different, with fans now in meltdown over footage of one of his attempted punches following a cross.

Multiple fans feel that they've been "robbed" just for paying a transfer fee to Chelsea, with one fan suggesting that the club should "terminate his contract".

Kepa Arrizabalaga of Arsenal FC controls the ball during the 49th Trofeu Costa Daurada friendly match between Girona FC and Arsenal FC at Estadi Montilivi, on August 1, 2026
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Kepa Arrizabalaga of Arsenal FC controls the ball during the 49th Trofeu Costa Daurada friendly match between Girona FC and Arsenal FC at Estadi Montilivi, on August 1, 2026
Sources: Arsenal make Myles Lewis-Skelly transfer decision as new signing close

Which players could Mikel Arteta sacrifice this summer?

Even with Illan Meslier signed as a free agent, it seems unlikely that Kepa would be sold, or have his contract terminated, as some fans want.

Football Insider understands that the Gunners have no intention of selling Myles Lewis-Skelly, while Ethan Nwaneri's future is not so certain.

Ben White, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard are all having their futures questioned, and Martin Zubimendi could be next on the chopping block.

Following a very disappointing campaign from the Spaniard, Arsenal are now adding Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes to the midfield.

Kepa Arrizabalaga Revuelta
Mikel Arteta Amatriain
Arsenal Football Club
Illan Meslier
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