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Arsenal are finalising the shock signing of Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, talk SPORT understands. The Gunners have been in the market for a back-up to David Raya with Neto to return to Bournemouth having made just one appearance during his loan stay. Mikel Arteta's side had been keen on a move for Espanyol star Joan Garcia, but the Spaniard is set to snub a switch to the Emirates to join Barcelona. And Arsenal have moved fast in firming up interest in their alternative, with Kepa poised to make the switch from west to north London. Kepa enjoyed an impressive season on loan at Bournemouth where he featured in 31 Premier League games - helping the Cherries to ninth spot. It is understood that Arsenal are now set to activate the 30-year-old's £5m release clause at Stamford Bridge. The buyout clause was included in Kepa's contract last year when he signed a new one-year deal at Chelsea as the club looked to avoid losing him on a free transfer in 2025. It's a bargain fee for the Champions League semi-finalists, with Kepa still the world's most expensive goalkeeper. Chelsea forked out a whopping £71. 6m in 2018 from Athletic Bilbao, but he struggled for form as he competed with Edouard Mendy for a place in the line-up. And it is believed that Kepa is up for the fight for the No1 jersey at Arsenal with two-time Golden Glove winner Raya. Personal terms have been agreed with Kepa and Arsenal as the club close in on their first signing of the summer. Arsenal are believed to have already struck an agreement to sign Kepa's Spanish compatriot Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. But that signing may not be announced until July amid claims that Sociedad would rather the £51m fee be in their accounts for next year as opposed to this year. talk SPORT also understands that the club are weighing up which striker to sign out of Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres. Meanwhile Real Madrid winger Rodrygo - a teammate of Kepa's during the goalkeeper's loan spell in the 2023/24 term - has been earmarked as a key target. Should Kepa's move to Arsenal go through as expected, he will become the fifth player to directly move to the club from Chelsea since 2019. David Luiz linked up at Arsenal six years ago, with Jorginho and Kai Havertz also signed on permanent deals, while Raheem Sterling joined on loan last summer. And Arsenal also snapped up Willian on a free transfer in 2020 following his release at Chelsea, though he ultimately flattered to deceive. © 2025 talk SPORT Limited

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