Malo Gusto reacts as Kepa Arrizabalaga shares emotional Chelsea exit message
Malo Gusto has reacted to an emotional message shared by Kepa Arrizabalaga as the goalkeeper left Chelsea in favour of London rivals Arsenal.
The Spain international fell out of favour at Stamford Bridge and consequently spent last season on loan with Bournemouth.
Kepa enjoyed a largely successful stint with the Cherries and kept eight clean sheets in 31 Premier League appearances for the Dorset side.
Meanwhile, after Kepa was strongly linked with Arsenal, he completed his move to the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, 1 July.
Gusto reacts as Kepa bids farewell to Chelsea
Having enjoyed regular first-team football at Bournemouth, Kepa is now set to serve as David Raya’s backup at Arsenal.
As Gunners boss Mikel Arteta eyes a serious challenge for the Premier League title, the former Chelsea goalkeeper will be far from the North Londoners’ most important arrival this summer.
Meanwhile, taking to Instagram on 1 July, Kepa wrote: “Thank you, Chelsea. After seven unforgettable years, the time has come to close a very special chapter in my life.
“Chelsea was my home, my family, and the place where I grew both as a footballer and as a person.
“I arrived full of dreams and I leave with unforgettable memories: titles like the Champions League, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup, but above all, moments shared with incredible people on and off the pitch.
“Thank you to the coaches, the staff, my teammates, and most of all, to you, the fans. Wearing this badge has been an honour and a source of pride.
“Now a new chapter begins, and I face it with the same passion and commitment as always. I leave with a heart full of gratitude.
“With love and respect, Kepa Arrizabalaga.”
Raya set for heightened competition at Arsenal
Football Insider verdict
Arteta has signed Kepa as a new backup, not as a goalkeeper who can regularly displace Raya from the Gunners’ starting lineup.
| Kepa stats | Premier League 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 31 |
| Saves | 97 |
| Clean sheets | 8 |
However, the former Chelsea goalkeeper has stronger credentials than last season’s second-choice keeper, Neto, who joined the North London side on loan from Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth.
The former Brazil international made just one appearance for Arsenal last season, which was in a Champions League win over Spanish side Girona in January.
But Kepa can expect to play more regularly for the Gunners than his predecessor, having previously helped both Chelsea and Real Madrid win the Champions League.
If Raya makes unlikely errors in the Premier League next season, his fellow Spaniard has the potential to step in between the sticks at the Emirates Stadium, whereas Neto might not have been given the same opportunity.
However, the former Brentford goalkeeper will likely continue to excel, making Kepa a noteworthy deputy.