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By YASEEN ZAMAN Published: 01: 01 AEST, 8 June 2025 | Updated: 02: 18 AEST, 8 June 2025 69 View comments Arsenal are close to finalising a deal for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, according to reports. The 30-year-old - who has a staggeringly low £5million release clause - spent last season on loan with Bournemouth and kept eight clean sheets in his 31 Premier League appearances. Back in 2018, the Blues splashed out £72m on Kepa to snap him up from Athletic Bilbao, which represented a world record fee for a goalkeeper. Mikel Arteta is believed to be keen on hiring a deputy to his current No 1 in between the sticks - David Raya. As such, Arsenal are close to making Arrizabalaga their first signing of the summer, as per The Athletic. Arrizabalaga's meagre fee will see him move on from Chelsea for a fee around 14 times less than his initial move to the west London club. Arsenal are reportedly close to sealing a £5m deal for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga Arrizabalaga will join the Gunners as a backup to their current No 1 shot-stopper - David Raya Chelsea signed Arrizabalaga for £72m in 2018 - 14 times what they are now selling him for Last in action for Chelsea in 2023, Arrizabalaga featured 163 times for the club, keeping 59 clean sheets and winning four major honours. The Spaniard was also sent out on loan to Real Madrid in 2023, making 14 appearances. After a successful loan spell, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola expressed an interest in keeping Arrizabalaga at the club. 'I think it is a matter of negotiating with Kepa himself and with Chelsea, ' said Iraola. 'I think both sides are very happy with his loan spell. ' But it appears Arsenal have beaten the Cherries to Arrizabalaga's signing, making the shot-stopper their first under new sporting director Andrea Berta. The north London club have been busy in the post-season, already confirming the exit of 20 players, including Raheem Sterling, Kieran Tierney, Neto and Jorginho. On Friday, Gabriel signed a new four-year contract, extending his stay at the Emirates until 2029. Meanwhile, there is also heavy speculation over Thomas Partey's future. Arrizabalaga has endured loan spells at Real Madrid and Bournemouth while at Chelsea While Arsenal appear to be fast on their feet in this transfer window, Arrizabalaga's signing does little to address what many fans believe is a focal point of concern - the Gunners' lack of goals. Mail Sport understands that Berta is said to admire Viktor Gyokeres from his time working at Atletico Madrid. But internally, views are torn on whether the striker would cut it in the Premier League. Arsenal also remain fans of RB Leipzig frontman Benjamin Sesko, but there has been no traction in securing a move for him.
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