Kepa Arrizabalaga completes Arsenal medical ahead of summer move from Chelsea

Arsenal are close to completing a deal to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea, with the player completing his medical, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Gunners triggered his £5m release clause after adding an extra year to his contract last summer before a successful loan spell at Bournemouth.

Kepa will compete with compatriot David Raya for the starting spot if the deal goes through.

Romano posted on X: “Kepa has completed his medical at Arsenal on Wednesday and formal steps will now follow.

“£5m release clause already activated.”

Arsenal are in the market for a new number two goalkeeper after deciding against signing Neto, who spent last season on loan at Emirates Stadium from Bournemouth, on a permanent basis.

Kepa is still the world’s most expensive goalkeeper since joining Chelsea in 2018 for £72m from Athletic Bilbao.

He racked up 163 appearances for the Blues, winning four major honours during a mixed seven-year spell at Stamford Bridge.

The Spain international also spent a season on loan at Real Madrid, where he won La Liga and the Champions League during the 2023-24 season.

Kepa earlier refused to commit his future to Bournemouth despite impressing on loan with the Cherries.

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. 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.”