Arsenal have been knocked out of the FA Cup after a disappointing defeat to Southampton in the quarter-final.
The Gunners, being the leaders of the Premier League, went into the game as favourites, but their struggles at St Mary’s continued as they lost 2-1.
Mikel Arteta decided to keep faith in Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal despite his costly error in the Carabao Cup final just before the international break.
The Spaniard did not make any major mistakes this time, but he also did not do enough to stop Southampton’s two goals.
That could prove to be his final appearance for Arsenal.
Who was the worst performer for Arsenal against Southampton?
Kepa Arrizabalaga may never play for Arsenal again after Southampton loss
Kepa was brought in as a backup goalkeeper last summer. He was never expected to challenge David Raya for the number one spot.
There is a clear gap in quality between the two Spaniards, and that was evident in the Carabao Cup final.
With Arsenal now out of the FA Cup, they only have the Premier League and Champions League left. Raya has been the first-choice goalkeeper in both competitions, and that is unlikely to change.
That means Kepa may not get another opportunity to play this season.
Furthermore, reports have claimed that Cesc Fabregas’ Como are interested in signing Kepa, even though he only joined Arsenal last summer.
A transfer to Italy would make sense for Kepa, as he will get to be the first choice there. Como could even qualify for the Champions League, and they will need someone of the Spaniard’s experience.
If an offer arrives, we won’t be surprised to see Kepa leave, making the defeat to Southampton his last game in an Arsenal shirt.
Will Kepa Arrizabalaga play another game for Arsenal?
Arsenal need a stronger backup goalkeeper next season
Raya will remain Arsenal’s number one next season, but the situation behind him needs to improve.
The backup goalkeeper should not just be someone who is happy to sit on the bench. Arsenal need a player who can genuinely push Raya and compete for his place.
As good as Kepa has been over his career, everyone knew that he was never going to displace Raya as the Gunners’ number one.
That needs to change, as a better goalkeeper would not only provide more solidity in cup competitions but would also raise Raya’s level.
It will be interesting to see what Andrea Berta will do on that front this summer.
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