Kepa Arrizabalaga reveals why he joined Arsenal

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Official: Kepa Arrizabalaga Joins Arsenal on Permanent Deal from Chelsea

Arsenal Football Club have officially confirmed the signing of Spanish international goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea on a permanent deal.

The announcement was made on the club’s website on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, marking the Gunners’ first major move in the summer transfer window.

The 30-year-old shot-stopper arrives at the Emirates Stadium after spending the last two seasons on loan—first at Real Madrid and most recently at AFC Bournemouth. His addition is expected to bolster Arsenal’s goalkeeping department, providing competition and experience alongside current options.

Why Did Kepa Choose Arsenal?

Kepa expressed his excitement at joining Arsenal, highlighting the club’s ambition and the vision laid out to him by manager Mikel Arteta and goalkeeping coach Iñaki Caña. Speaking after the move was finalized, Kepa said:

“I am really, really happy to be here—really excited and looking forward to what’s coming. The ambition that is shown in this club, when I spoke with Mikel and Iñaki, the way they expressed their desire to win… I think we are very close to winning something big and, hopefully, altogether, we can achieve it.”

His decision was clearly influenced by Arsenal’s continued rise under Arteta, with the team consistently competing for domestic and European titles in recent seasons.

Kepa’s Career So Far

Kepa Arrizabalaga initially rose to global attention in August 2018 when Chelsea paid a then-world record fee for a goalkeeper to sign him from Athletic Club Bilbao. At Stamford Bridge, he had a rollercoaster tenure but was part of the squads that lifted several major trophies, including:

UEFA Champions League (2020/21)
UEFA Europa League (2018/19)
UEFA Super Cup
FIFA Club World Cup

His form fluctuated at Chelsea, and competition from Édouard Mendy eventually led to loan moves to rejuvenate his career. In the 2023/24 season, Kepa returned to Spain with Real Madrid, where he contributed to their successful campaign that ended with the Champions League and Spanish Super Cup titles.

Following his stint in Madrid, he joined Bournemouth for the 2024/25 season, gaining consistent playing time and helping the club retain its Premier League status with a solid campaign.

A New Chapter at the Emirates

Arsenal fans will be eager to see how Kepa fits into the club’s system and competes with Aaron Ramsdale and David Raya, whose future at the club has been the subject of transfer speculation.

Kepa brings elite-level experience, leadership, and proven ability at the highest level of club football, which could prove vital as Arsenal aim to secure their first Premier League title since 2004 and push deeper in European competitions.

The length of Kepa’s contract and transfer fee have not yet been disclosed by Arsenal.