Arsenal can sign record-breaker for £5m as 'initial talks' take place over summer transfer

Arsenal are reportedly eyeing a surprise deal for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga as Mikel Arteta searches for a new backup shot-stopper.

The Gunners did not sign a long-term replacement for Aaron Ramsdale last summer following his move to Southampton, instead signing Bournemouth's Neto on a late loan agreement.

The Brazilian shot-stopper made just one appearance for the North London giants, though, starting a 2-1 Champions League win over Girona, where he was culpable for Arnaut Danjuma's goal.

Neto was recently named as one of 20 Arsenal players who would be leaving the club at the end of the month, as the Gunners unsurprisingly chose not to extend his loan deal or sign him permanently.

Arsenal were believed to be chasing Espanyol's Joan Garcia as their new number two, but the Spaniard is now on the verge of joining Barcelona following a protracted transfer saga.

Arsenal 'informed' on £5m Kepa option

However, Arsenal would have likely had to spend at least £20m or £25m to land Garcia, a hefty fee for a player who would almost certainly be Raya's deputy.

Instead, journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that the club are 'informed' on a highly affordable release clause for Chelsea's Kepa, who has emerged as their latest goalkeeping target.

Arsenal could apparently sign the world's most expensive goalkeeper for a mere £5m thanks to an option in his Chelsea deal, as the Blues are desperate to sever ties with him.

Romano adds that 'initial talks' have taken place to understand the conditions of a deal for Kepa, who spent last season on loan at Bournemouth and kept eight clean sheets in 31 Premier League appearances.

The 30-year-old only has one year left on his Stamford Bridge contract, though, and Chelsea have accepted that they will suffer a huge loss on their £72m acquisition from Athletic Bilbao in the summer of 2018.

The state of play with Arsenal and Chelsea's goalkeepers

Chelsea are not expected to head into 2025-26 with Filip Jorgensen and Robert Sanchez battling for the gloves, as well as Strasbourg returnee Djordje Petrovic.

Instead, the Blues are believed to be pushing for the capture of Mike Maignan from AC Milan, meaning that the door is firmly shut on a possible Kepa revival.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have Estonia international Karl Hein returning from his loan spell at Real Valladolid, but he is expected to push for an exit in search of regular first-team football.

That would leave a few teenagers behind Raya - the likes of Tommy Hogan Setford, Jack Porter and Lucas Nygaard - none of whom are likely to be deemed ready for regular number two duties.

Written by
Ben Knapton