Arsenal are reportedly in talks regarding a move for a Premier League rival’s player – and it’s certainly not who you’d expect.
Arsenal missed out on silverware in the 2024/25 campaign, and it promises to be a busy summer for Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta.
On Wednesday, the club announced its retained list, confirming the departures of Midfielder Jorginho, left-back Kieran Tierney, and forward Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, with Raheem Sterling and goalkeeper Neto returning to their parent clubs following season-long loan spells at the Gunners.
Arsenal also explained how “discussions are ongoing, and once matters are finalised between all parties, we will communicate in due course”, with regards to Thomas Partey’s future.
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Speaking in May, Arteta admitted that he needed summer arrivals “for sure”.
"With the numbers that we started the season and [the numbers] to provide for next season, with the demands we're going to have and especially with the players that we have who are coming through long-term surgeries, it's very unrealistic [to deliver trophies],” Arteta said.
"We know that, we have to address that, and we're going to do everything we can to improve it.”
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Several top-quality players such as Martin Zubimendi, Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres have been linked with potential moves to the Emirates, but on Thursday (June 5), a report emerged linking the Gunners with a Chelsea star.
Kepa Arrizabalaga is reportedly available for just £5m this summer, having spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Bournemouth.
According to Sky Italy, Arsenal are considering triggering the player’s £5m release clause.
The Spain international, who has also featured for Athletic Club and Real Madrid, would likely serve as back-up to first-choice David Raya.
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His reported £5m release clause is significantly less than the world-record fee for a goalkeeper of £71.6m, which Chelsea paid for him back in 2018.
Kepa, 30, made 35 appearances on loan at the Cherries with head coach Andoni Iraola explaining how he had “been really good this season”.
During his time at Chelsea, Kepa has won the Champions League, the Club World Cup, the Super Cup and the Europa League.
Topics: Arsenal, Premier League, Transfers, Mikel Arteta, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Chelsea, Football, Champions League
Luke Davies