Arsenal are in talks to sign Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga for just £5M, as Mikel Arteta seeks experienced backup for David Raya.
The Gunners are also chasing 17-year-old Genk star Konstantinos Karetsas in a €45M swoop to secure midfield talent for the future.
Arsenal are reportedly considering a surprise move to sign Chelsea’s out-of-favour goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga, as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his squad’s goalkeeping depth ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The Gunners have opened talks with Chelsea over the potential acquisition of the 30-year-old Spaniard, who is available for a bargain fee of just £5 million. This represents a staggering drop in valuation, considering the Blues signed Kepa for a world record £72 million for a goalkeeper back in 2018 from Athletic Bilbao.
Kepa, who spent last season on loan at Bournemouth, managed eight clean sheets in 31 Premier League appearances for the Cherries. While his performances showed glimpses of his former self, Chelsea has made it clear that he is no longer part of their long-term plans, with his last competitive appearance for the West London side dating back to 2023.
Arsenal’s interest comes at a time when the club is actively reshaping its goalkeeper roster. With David Raya cemented as the first-choice shot-stopper and the departure of backup goalkeeper Neto, who spent the season on loan but featured only once, Arteta is keen to add experienced cover.
Initially linked with Espanyol’s promising goalkeeper Joan García, Arsenal appeared to shift focus after the Spaniard opted for a move to Barcelona. Kepa’s availability, coupled with his Premier League experience and low release clause, makes him an appealing alternative for the Gunners.
If the deal goes through, Arsenal would be securing Kepa for less than 14 times less than Chelsea’s original outlay, offering a cost-effective solution to their goalkeeping needs.
Kepa’s current deal with Chelsea runs until 2026, but both parties appear to be seeking a clean break this summer.
In addition to their goalkeeping search, Arsenal are also setting their sights on emerging midfield sensation Konstantinos Karetsas. The 17-year-old Genk star has drawn attention from across Europe after a standout season in Belgium, tallying three goals and four assists in 39 appearances as his side clinched the Belgian Pro League title.
Arsenal are considering a €45 million move for the Greece international, who previously represented Belgium at the youth level. Reports suggest the Gunners may secure his signature and loan him back to Genk for further development during the 2025/26 season.
With the summer transfer window heating up, Arsenal appear to be moving swiftly to reinforce both ends of the pitch, an experienced, proven name in Kepa for stability and a dynamic teenage midfielder in Karetsas for the future.
