Kepa Arrizabalaga has had a steady, unspectacular season as Arsenal’s backup goalkeeper.
Unai Simon, somehow, thinks he is better than Gianluigi Buffon.
In a quickfire TikTok with Radioestadio, Simon was asked to choose between several goalkeepers.
Kepa or De Gea? “Kepa. I’m setting the bar very high for Kepa, just so you know.”
Kepa or Buffon? “I’m going to stick with… let’s see… I’m going to stick with Kepa, believe it or not.”
Kepa or Courtois? “Courtois.”
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Picking Kepa over De Gea is baffling enough. Picking him over one of the greatest goalkeepers to ever play the game is, obviously, ridiculous.
However, it should be noted that Simon and Kepa came through the Athletic Club academy together, with Kepa two age groups above him.
Simon eventually became Bilbao’s number one after Kepa left for the Premier League, and the pair have also been Spain teammates over the years.
The two are likely close friends, and Simon has probably viewed Kepa as a role model most of his career.
Kepa Arrizabalaga’s future at Arsenal is unclear
Kepa joined Arsenal from Chelsea last summer and has been a reasonably reliable second-choice option, though his costly error against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final defeat lingers.
When the Gunners signed him, a release clause was inserted into the deal which allows him to leave if the club recoup the £5million they paid for him.
Kepa is said to have enjoyed his year at the club, but could be swayed elsewhere should an attractive offer be brought to him.
Inter Milan have shown interest, but seeing as he would only be switching to Serie A as a backup goalkeeper, he might as well stay at the Premier League champions.
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Zubimendi and Spain? Saka and England? Saliba and France?
He has not featured for Spain since 2023, and missed out on the World Cup squad to Simon, Joan Garcia and his Arsenal teammate David Raya.
Speaking of Raya, despite an outstanding season for Arsenal, he remains behind Simon in the pecking order for Spain, who started the opener against Cape Verde in a 0-0 draw.
Martin Zubimendi did not feature either, though Mikel Merino came on after 70 minutes.
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