Arsenal Eye Surprise Move for Chelsea's Kepa as Backup Goalkeeper
In one of the more unexpected twists of the transfer window, Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is reportedly on Arsenal's radar as a potential backup to David Raya. According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners have already held initial talks and are well informed about Kepa’s £5 million release clause.
Kepa, 30, spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Bournemouth, but with no plans to reintegrate him at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea are open to letting him go—permanently or on another loan.
💬 “Arsenal are informed on £5m release clause for Kepa as option to be David Raya’s backup,” Romano wrote on X.
“Initial talks took place to be informed on deal conditions, as Sky UK reports.”
🤔 Our Take: Smart Depth or Recycled Risk?
On the surface, this deal makes a lot of sense for Arsenal:
✅ Low cost (£5m release clause)
✅ Premier League experience
✅ Reliable backup with top-flight pedigree
However, Kepa's career has been a rollercoaster since becoming the world’s most expensive goalkeeper in 2018. Despite flashes of brilliance, his inconsistency and confidence issues at Chelsea are well-documented.
Still, under a manager like Mikel Arteta, known for improving and rebuilding careers (just ask Kai Havertz), Kepa could regain stability in a low-pressure, backup role—especially with Raya firmly established as No. 1.
🗣 Fan Buzz:
“£5m for a decent backup? I’ll take it.”
“Arteta can revive him. Remember what he did with Ramsdale initially?”
“Chelsea to Arsenal pipeline is becoming a thing now!”
“Can he handle the pressure if Raya is injured?”
🔍 What to Watch For:
Will Chelsea accept a direct deal with a Premier League rival?
Could Kepa prefer a club where he’d be first-choice?
Will Arsenal finalize the deal before pre-season begins?
Trending Hashtags:
#KepaToArsenal #ArsenalTransferNews #ChelseaFC #Gunners #MikelArteta #GoalkeeperWatch #PremierLeagueRumors #FabrizioRomano #SummerTransfers #TalkTalkNigeria
