When Arsenal started scouting for a solid backup goalkeeper this summer, they might not have expected a potential bargain from a former world-record signing.
Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga, who once cost the Blues a whopping £72 million, now has a release clause that could let Arsenal snap him up for just £5 million.
That’s quite a discount compared to what Chelsea initially paid back in 2018.
Kepa’s Journey from Record Fee to Loan Spells
Kepa, now 30, spent last season on loan at Bournemouth, where he impressed by keeping eight clean sheets in 31 Premier League games.
Despite this solid run, Chelsea still view him as surplus to requirements, and the club seems ready to cash in on him, even if that means taking a major financial hit.
After all, it’s hard to ignore that £72 million splash Chelsea made when signing him from Athletic Bilbao — a world-record fee for a goalkeeper at the time.
But football can be a cruel business, and if Arsenal activates this low release clause, they’d be paying just a fraction — about 14 times less — than what Chelsea initially shelled out.
Kepa’s Status and Contract Situation
Kepa hasn’t played for Chelsea since 2023, aside from a loan spell at Real Madrid that same year, where he made 14 appearances.
His current contract with Chelsea runs until 2026, which means if no deal is made, he might be off the books in just a year’s time.
Arsenal, on the other hand, are keen to find a reliable second-choice goalkeeper to back up David Raya.
Raya has been outstanding, winning the Premier League Golden Glove for two seasons in a row, so the club wants someone dependable to support him.
Bournemouth’s Take on Keeping Kepa
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has spoken positively about Kepa’s loan spell and even hinted that the club might want to keep him.
But he made it clear that no decisions have been finalized yet.
“I think it’s a matter of negotiating with Kepa himself and with Chelsea,” Iraola said. “Both sides are very happy with how the loan went.
Kepa performed really well, and his experience and character were huge assets for our young team.
Having someone who has regularly fought for titles adds a lot of value.”
Still, Iraola pointed out that Bournemouth have other goalkeepers in Neto, Mark Travers, and Alex Paulsen, so they’ll make decisions about the goalkeeper lineup in pre-season.
Other Goalkeeping News at Bournemouth and Arsenal
Speaking of Neto, the 35-year-old spent last season on loan at Arsenal but barely featured, making just one appearance. He’s expected to return to Bournemouth.
Meanwhile, Arsenal aren’t just focused on the goalkeeping department.
They are also in advanced talks with Matteo Tognozzi for a senior recruitment role, following the departure of Jason Ayto.
This signals the club’s intent to strengthen their scouting and recruitment ahead of the new season.