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Premier League giants Arsenal are on the verge of paying for a Chelsea flop
The Gunners are on the verge of completing a shock move for Chelsea’s out-of-favour goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, a deal that would see the Gunners spend nearly ₦10 billion to activate his £5 million release clause.
According to trusted journalist David Ornstein, the 30-year-old Spaniard has agreed to join Mikel Arteta’s side and fight for a place behind David Raya.
From record-breaking signing to bargain bin exit
Signed by Chelsea in 2018 for a world-record fee for a goalkeeper, expectations were sky-high when Kepa arrived from Athletic Club.
However, inconsistency and a series of high-profile errors saw his value plummet, and after losing his place at Stamford Bridge, Kepa was loaned to Real Madrid, and then to Bournemouth, where he featured in 31 matches last season.
Now, with his stock at an all-time low, Arsenal have seen an opportunity to scoop him up on the cheap ahead of the new season.
The modest £5 million release clause, barely a fraction of his original transfer fee, reflects just how far he has fallen from grace.
Arteta turns to experience after García setback
Arsenal initially had their eyes on Espanyol shot-stopper Joan García, but with the young Spaniard now on his way to Barcelona, the Gunners have quickly pivoted to Kepa as Plan B.
Mikel Arteta values experience between the sticks and sees Kepa as capable cover and potential competition for Raya.
While fans may raise eyebrows at the thought of signing a former "flop," Arsenal’s management believes Kepa still has something to offer.
With the deal nearly complete, the Gunners are ready to roll the dice on a player with plenty to prove and a point to silence.
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