Kepa Arrizabalaga signs for Arsenal: farewell to Chelsea, a new challenge in North London

Premier League’s most expensive goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga, has ended his seven-year stint at Chelsea and signed for Arsenal. The Spanish goalkeeper is beginning a new phase of his career on the other side of the capital.

A record move that never fully delivered

Signed from Athletic Bilbao in the summer of 2018 for a record £71.6 million fee, Kepa never quite met expectations at Chelsea. He made 163 appearances in all competitions, registered 59 clean sheets, and collected silverware including the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup. However, he eventually lost his place to Edouard Mendy.

Kepa's final campaign in a Chelsea shirt came in 2022–23, where he featured 39 times, conceded 45 goals and kept 12 clean sheets.

Loan spells at Real Madrid and Bournemouth

In the 2023–24 season, Kepa spent time on loan at Real Madrid, featuring in 20 matches in all competitions. He conceded 18 goals and kept nine clean sheets during his time in Spain.

For the 2024–25 campaign, he played for Bournemouth. The south coast club gave him 35 appearances, in which he conceded 43 goals and managed nine clean sheets.

Goalkeeping profile: technique, decision-making, mentality

Kepa is widely recognised for his ability with the ball at his feet, sharp reflexes, and a profile well-suited to the modern demands of goalkeeping. Comfortable with short passing and building play from the back, he is also quick to react on his line. However, he tends to hesitate on set-pieces when coming off his line, occasionally causing confusion in the defensive line. Agile in close-range situations, he shows good reactions, but his form tends to fluctuate mentally. When low on confidence, it often affects his performance. While he has struggled to reach elite levels, he remains a goalkeeper who can contribute in the right role and environment—particularly as a backup option, where he can push for competition and provide security for the coaching staff.

Arsenal’s approach: trust from Arteta and Cana

Arsenal turned to Kepa in search of a reliable alternative to David Raya. According to The Athletic, the transfer was completed following direct talks with Mikel Arteta and goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana.

Excitement and ambition in North London

The Spanish goalkeeper expressed his excitement about wearing the Arsenal shirt and said the club’s ambitions greatly appealed to him.

"I’m very happy to be here. Mikel and Inaki clearly showed me the club’s desire to win. We’ll all do our best to achieve this goal together."

He emphasised the team’s ambition in his statement:

"I’m really happy, really excited, and looking forward to the future. The ambition shown by the club, and the conversations I had with Mikel and Inaki, made that clear. I saw how much they want to win. I think we’re very close to being champions, and I hope we can achieve that together."

He will wear the number 13 shirt in North London.

A heartfelt farewell to Chelsea

Shortly before the announcement, he bid farewell to Chelsea fans with an emotional message on social media.

"After seven unforgettable years, I’m closing a very special chapter in my life. Chelsea was my home, my family — where I grew and learned the most. Beyond the trophies and titles, what mattered most were the incredible people I met on and off the pitch. It was always an honour to wear this shirt. Now, I look ahead — but I leave with sincere thanks and fond memories."

He also wrote in his farewell message:

"Chelsea was my home, my family, where I grew both as a footballer and a person. I arrived with dreams and leave with unforgettable memories. Winning the Champions League, Europa League, Super Cup, and Club World Cup was a great honour, but above all, it was the amazing people I met that made it special. Thank you to the coaches, staff, teammates, and above all, the fans. Wearing this shirt was always a great source of pride and joy. Now a new chapter awaits. I embark on this journey with my usual passion and commitment. I leave with gratitude."

Mixed reactions: frustration, respect and everything in between

Chelsea fans also shared their thoughts on social media following Kepa’s departure:

• “We got mad at times, but your talent as a goalkeeper was undeniable. Good luck at Arsenal.”

• “All I can think about is £71.6 million... I still can’t believe it.”

• “You lifted trophies in a Chelsea shirt, you weren’t a bad keeper, but you never inspired confidence.”

• “You had some good games, but the goals you conceded are what stick in our minds.”

• “Arsenal got a decent backup. You’ll do fine behind Raya.”

• “That incident with Sarri, refusing to come off… kind of sums up your career.”

• “You saved some penalties—we haven’t forgotten those. Best of luck.”

• “You were a solid backup. The problem was making you the number one.”

A defining chapter closes, a new one begins

Kepa’s move to Arsenal closes a defining chapter for both the player and Chelsea’s recent history. As he prepares for a new start on the other side of London, the Spanish goalkeeper seeks a chance to prove himself again. For Chelsea, his turbulent journey evokes mixed memories. Some saw him as unreliable, others as a professional who stepped up in difficult times. The reactions online reflect this complex legacy. Kepa will now wear the Arsenal shirt and be part of the competition, but the mark he left behind remains—not just through his performances, but as one of the most debated and memorable figures in Chelsea’s modern history.