Kepa Arrizabalaga is an Arsenal player after completing a £5m transfer from Chelsea.
The Gunners struck gold by acquiring the Spain international, who bid farewell to Chelsea after spending the previous two seasons out on loan.
Kepa represented Real Madrid and then Bournemouth before sealing his transfer to Arsenal, where he’ll battle David Raya for the number one spot.
Shortly after Kepa announced his Chelsea exit, the 30-year-old was unveiled as an Arsenal player, following in the footsteps of many to make the move from Stamford Bridge to the Emirates.
Kepa Arrizabalaga reveals conversation with Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard
The Spaniard has become the first signing of the 2025 summer transfer window at Arsenal, offering back-up to Raya following Neto’s return to Bournemouth.
Kepa is now an Arsenal player, following the likes of Jorginho, Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz to N5 from Chelsea.
Ahead of his move, the goalkeeper touched base with Havertz to scope out how things were at the Emirates, a conversation that also involved Martin Odegaard.
Speaking to Arsenal’s official website after his transfer was made official, Kepa disclosed what was said during his chat with Odegaard and Havertz.
“I spoke with Kai. He was with Martin, so we were talking, we had a good chat together, and they already started explaining a little bit about how everything works and how good the atmosphere is right now in the changing room. So, I can’t wait to join.”
Both Arsenal’s captain and Kepa’s former teammate charmed the goalkeeper by explaining to him how good things are in the dressing room.
It’s an exciting new chapter for the shot-stopper, who will be desperate to make a name for himself in N5 after winning the Champions League, among other accolades at Chelsea.
Kepa is ready to compete with David Raya
Kepa is used to competition, which he faced out of the blue at Chelsea when Frank Lampard signed Edouard Mendy.
In his first interview as a Gunner, the Spaniard was asked the question that everyone wants to know: how does he feel about competing with Raya?
Kepa confirmed that he and Raya already have a ‘very good relationship’, with their paths crossing at international level.
“He’s a great goalkeeper and we have a very good relationship, we will compete, we will train together, we will share a lot of time together,” Kepa said.
“We will have competition, as with all the positions in the team, but with the only goal that is to win and be the best ones.”
The goalkeeper made it clear that his priority is helping Arsenal achieve their goals, with competition with Raya something that will be ongoing.
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