London – SABA:
English football club Arsenal announced on Tuesday the signing of Spanish international goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea.
Arsenal did not disclose the duration or financial details of the contract, which marks the club's first signing for the upcoming season.
In a statement on its official website, Arsenal said: "The 30-year-old goalkeeper has achieved significant success with his clubs and national team, boasting extensive experience in the English Premier League with 140 appearances."
The club added: "Kepa joins us from Chelsea after spending the past two seasons on loan at Real Madrid and Bournemouth," according to Anadolu Agency.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports reported that the Spanish goalkeeper signed a three-year contract until June 2028. The network explained that Arsenal activated the £5 million ($6.86 million) release clause in Kepa’s Chelsea contract.
In August 2018, Kepa became the world’s most expensive goalkeeper when he joined Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao for £71 million ($97.40 million).
During his time at Chelsea, he was part of the squad that won the Champions League, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.
In the 2023-24 season, he returned to Spain on loan with Real Madrid, where he won the Champions League and Spanish Super Cup. He then spent last season on loan at Bournemouth, making 35 appearances across all competitions.
On the international stage, Kepa made his debut for Spain in a 5-0 win over Costa Rica in November 2017. Since then, he has earned 13 caps and won the 2023 UEFA Nations League with La Roja.
| more of (International) |