A new report in Spain has claimed that a deal is done for Kepa Arrizabalaga to leave Arsenal, while his next destination has been revealed.
The 31-year-old joined Arsenal in a surprise transfer from Premier League rivals Chelsea last summer in a cut-price deal worth around £5 million. Unsurprisingly, Kepa has only been used sparingly by Arsenal this season, as David Raya is firmly placed as Mikel Arteta’s number one goalkeeper.
The experienced goalkeeper is yet to make an appearance in the Premier League this season, with most of his outings coming in the FA Cup or Carabao Cup. Spanish reports claim he is now ready for more game time. Kepa is reportedly tired with his current role and has asked Arteta to be sold, with a deal done and agreed with La Liga side Villarreal after he gave the okay for this transfer to go through.
In truth, any deal for Kepa is unlikely to be this far along at the moment, but an exit for more game time is certainly plausible as he has no chance of dislodging Raya. A report towards the end of last year claimed Cesc Fabregas’ Como are targeting a move for the shot-stopper.
Kepa Arrizabalaga asks Mikel Arteta for Arsenal exit
Kepa knew what he was signing up for when he made the move to Arsenal, with Raya standing out as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League since joining the Gunners as an upgrade on Aaron Ramsdale. His lack of opportunities this season has led to frustration, with the Spanish goalkeeper eager to play regular first-team football elsewhere.
Villarreal have emerged as the most likely destination for Kepa. The La Liga club can offer him regular starting opportunities that Arsenal cannot provide. Whether a formal agreement exists remains unclear, but the interest from Spain appears genuine given Kepa’s desire to return to his home country.
David Raya blocks Kepa path to first team
Towards the start of this season, former Premier League manager Tim Sherwood claimed a goalkeeper of Raya’s quality was exactly what Manchester United were missing before they signed Senne Lammens. “David Raya is right up there with Alisson as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League,” Sherwood told BetBrain.
“His decision making with his feet is fantastic now and he just continues to make amazing saves. Arsenal’s goal yesterday is a perfect example of what Manchester United were missing Altay Bayındır flaps at that Declan Rice corner, whereas Raya stuck his fist out at a very similar one and dealt with it well. He’s in golden form at the moment, and I believe him and Alisson are out there on their own as the best keepers in the division.”
Arsenal prepare to let backup goalkeeper depart
Arsenal already have the best squad in the Premier League and arguably Europe, but they will not stand still and are already working on potential signings ahead of the summer. Losing Kepa would create space for a younger backup goalkeeper or allow Arsenal to promote from within their academy system.
The Spanish goalkeeper’s departure would end a brief spell at the Emirates Stadium. He arrived with Premier League experience and European pedigree, but limited opportunities have made his position untenable. A move to Villarreal or Como would give him the platform to play regularly again and potentially revive his career at a competitive level outside England.
