Chelsea Exit Looms for Kepa with Arsenal Among Suitors

Arsenal are considering a move for Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga as they assess permanent goalkeeper options this summer. The Spaniard is in the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge and is available for just £5 million, due to a clause that allows him to leave at a reduced fee.

Kepa spent last season on loan at Bournemouth, where he made 33 appearances and helped the Cherries to a top-half finish. Manager Andoni Iraola has expressed a desire to retain the 29-year-old, but Bournemouth now face stiff competition from Premier League rivals.

Arsenal have added Kepa to their shortlist as they look to bring in a reliable back-up and challenger to David Raya, who is expected to finalise a permanent move from Brentford following a successful campaign at the Emirates.

Gunners Eye Long-Term Stability After Neto and Ramsdale Departures

The Gunners are still restructuring their goalkeeping unit after Aaron Ramsdale’s £25m move to Southampton last summer and the short-term loan of Neto from Bournemouth. With Neto returning to the south coast, sporting director Edu and Mikel Arteta are prioritising a permanent signing to provide depth and experience in goal.

Kepa, who has earned 11 caps for Spain and made over 100 Premier League appearances, represents a cost-effective and seasoned option. Arsenal also retain interest in Espanyol’s Joan Garcia, a long-term scouting target, but the chance to acquire Kepa at a low fee makes the Chelsea man a serious consideration.

Youth Options Reviewed as Hein Returns and Setford Impresses

Arsenal are also evaluating their internal goalkeeping options. Tommy Setford, who was third-choice last season, has impressed coaching staff and is attracting loan interest — though, at present, the club are not planning to send him out temporarily.

Estonian international Karl Hein has returned from a productive loan spell at Real Valladolid, where he signed a new contract before departing last summer. His pre-season role is yet to be finalised, but the 22-year-old remains highly rated by the club hierarchy.

As Arsenal prepare for a return to Champions League football and another title tilt, ensuring depth and consistency in goal will be critical. Whether they move decisively for Kepa or pivot to another target, the next few weeks are expected to shape the club’s goalkeeping department for the coming campaign.