‘Kepa Arrizabalaga leaving Chelsea for Arsenal hinges on one key condition’
Arsenal have reportedly set their sights on a move for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The Spain international enjoyed a successful loan spell with Bournemouth this season, maintaining eight clean sheets in 31 Premier League appearances for the Cherries.
According to The Standard [6 June], the Gunners are eyeing a swoop for Kepa as they seek a back-up option for David Raya.
Neto served as Arsenal’s second-choice goalkeeper this season, on loan from Bournemouth, but has now returned to his parent club.
Kepa will only go to Arsenal if he’s ‘happy to sit on the bench’
The 30-year-old enjoyed regular game time at Bournemouth this season, having fallen below Robert Sanchez in the Chelsea pecking order.
Meanwhile, playing a game of ‘transfer Tinder’ live on talkSPORT [6 June], Ray Parlour said: “It’s all on if he wants to play. He isn’t going to play at Arsenal, is he? He’s going to be a number two, but do you want to be number two?
“He’s obviously been number one at Bournemouth now. I’d definitely swipe right.”
Parlour continued: “If you’re Arsenal, you want to buy him because he’s a great number two to have, but if you’re Kepa, you’ve got to go left haven’t you? You want to play don’t you?”
Football Insider verdict
Kepa may not want Arsenal move
As alluded to by Parlour, Kepa could be a good option for Arsenal, as his Premier League career suggests he could successfully deputise for David Raya.
| Kepa Arrizabalaga stats | Premier League 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 31 |
| Saves | 97 |
| Clean sheets | 8 |
However, having enjoyed his stint as Bournemouth’s first-choice keeper, the 30-year-old may not be content with remaining on the substitutes’ bench and watching on as the Gunners strive to win the top-flight title.
After making over 160 appearances for Chelsea before joining Real Madrid on loan in 2023, Kepa has proven that he is highly capable at Premier League level.
Furthermore, the Spaniard helped Madrid win the Champions League in 2024 by keeping one clean sheet in four appearances during the 2023/24 edition of the competition.
Kepa is seemingly a better option for a club who are seeking a new number one, as opposed to an Arsenal outfit that seem intent on keeping Raya between the sticks.
Perhaps a move to newly promoted Leeds United could be a good fit for the Chelsea man, if the West Yorkshire side make an advance for his services amid their quest to find an Illan Meslier upgrade.