Arsenal has finalized the incorporation of Kepa Arrizabalaga, coming from Chelsea, in a deal valued at 5 million pounds sterling (6.9 million dollars), according to sources.
Kepa, 30 years old, became a priority for Mikel Arteta, seeking to reinforce the position of substitute goalkeeper behind David Raya.
During the last two seasons, Kepa played on loan at Real Madrid and AFC Bournemouth, respectively.
Arsenal also showed interest in Joan García, from Espanyol, but the 24-year-old player finally joined Barcelona.
I am very, very happy to be here, very excited and eager to see what comes.
Kepa Arrizabalaga
The ambition that this club shows, when I speak with Mikel [Arteta] and Inaki [Cana], how much they demonstrate their desire to win… I think we are very close to winning and, hopefully, together, we can achieve it.
Kepa Arrizabalaga
We are very happy that Kepa is joining us. He is a player we know, whom we have faced many times in recent seasons. He brings a lot of experience, from which his teammates will benefit, and he has a real hunger to win.
Mikel Arteta
Kepa arrived at Chelsea from Athletic Club in 2018 with a seven-year contract, in an 80 million euro (93 million dollar) deal, which made him the most expensive goalkeeper in the world at that time. The goalkeeper, who won the Champions League, the Europa League, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge, said goodbye to Chelsea fans in an Instagram post.Kepa works hard and will raise our levels. I know he will fit in perfectly, he already knows some of his teammates, and we are very excited about his future with us.
Mikel Arteta
Kepa Arrizabalaga’s Instagram post
In the Instagram post, 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 as a footballer and as a person.
Kepa Arrizabalaga
