Arsenal ‘considering’ bargain transfer for forgotten Chelsea record breaker

Arsenal are considering a summer move for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga who has just returned from his Bournemouth loan spell and is available in a cut-price deal

Arsenal are weighing up a potential move for Kepa Arrizabalaga – who could end his Chelsea stint for a minimal fee after his loan spell away at Bournemouth.

Kepa helped the Cherries post an impressive ninth place finish in the Premier League, but his time with the Blues has looked over for several years. They’ve continued to loan him out, first to Real Madrid and then to Bournemouth as he eyes a new permanent home.

Sky in Italy report that a release clause in his contract could make him available for just £5million and Arsenal are considering raiding their London rivals. David Raya is the clear No 1 at the Emirates but beyond him there is no obvious understudy.

Last term the likes of Neto and youngster Jack Porter deputised for Raya in the Carabao Cup, but Kepa could bring plenty of experience to north London and bolster Arsenal’s goalkeeping ranks.

The player himself previously claimed showdown talks were scheduled to decide on his next move. He said: “Obviously what I can say is that I’m really happy and I’m enjoying my playing time here. I think I’m showing that and I’m feeling well on the pitch.

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“It’s not the time to think about the future, we’re going to take the decision, we’re in touch with everybody and now I’m under contract with Chelsea. We have some conversations to have, they will happen in the next few weeks and then we’ll decide.”

It would mark the end of an underwhelming spell at Chelsea for the Spaniard who remains the most expensive goalkeeper in history. He moved from Athletic Bilbao to Stamford Bridge in 2018 for just over £70million but ultimately couldn’t deliver on that mammoth fee.

He claimed numerous European honours with the Blues, but was only a substitute for the Champions League success back in 2021. Months later Kepa did come off the bench in the 119th minute to help Chelsea win the UEFA Super Cup on penalties.

The Blues themselves could well change their goalkeeping landscape this summer. Currently Enzo Maresca has Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen and Djordje Petrovic at his disposal, but neither of them have been able to make the position their own.

As a result the Blues have begun pursuing AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who could leave for just £25m this month, as discussions are held. The 29-year old has one year left on contract and previously played for PSG and Lille before joining Milan, who only have him tied down on a deal until 2026.

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