Arsenal are advancing in their pursuit of Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and are expected to activate a £5 million release clause included in his current contract. The 30-year-old Spaniard is reportedly keen on the move and eager to compete for a starting role under Mikel Arteta.
Kepa, who spent last season on loan at Bournemouth, impressed as the club’s first-choice keeper, starting 35 Premier League matches and helping Andoni Iraola’s side to their best-ever league finish. His Chelsea contract, renewed last summer, included a significant pay cut and the modest release clause Arsenal are now set to trigger.
With Neto returning to Bournemouth following his loan, Kepa will arrive at the Emirates to challenge David Raya for the No. 1 spot. The move marks a major opportunity for the former Athletic Club star to relaunch his top-flight career after his record-breaking £71.8m move to Chelsea in 2018 failed to meet expectations.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are actively working on a deal to bring in AC Milan and France No. 1 Mike Maignan. The Italian giants are reportedly asking for around £25 million (€30m) for the 28-year-old, whose contract runs out in 2026 but who may be available for less due to his willingness to leave and Chelsea’s growing urgency to revamp their goalkeeper options.
The Stamford Bridge club is believed to be preparing a substantial offer for Maignan, viewing him as a dependable long-term solution between the posts. Chelsea fans, who have expressed concerns over the current options of Robert Sánchez and Filip Jorgensen, are likely to welcome the move. Maignan’s pedigree having won Ligue 1 with Lille and Serie A with Milan adds further weight to the decision.
Chelsea currently have an overcrowded goalkeeping department, including Djordje Petrovic, Mike Penders (on loan at Genk), and Kepa. Should Maignan arrive, a reshuffling is inevitable, with multiple departures expected to ease the congestion.
For Arsenal, Kepa’s signing represents a low-risk addition of experience and competition in a crucial area, while Chelsea look to solidify their future with a high-caliber, proven international keeper at the helm.
