### Arsenal Eyes Kepa Arrizabalaga as Backup Goalkeeper Amid Chelsea's Restructuring Arsenal Football Club is reportedly targeting Chelsea's goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga as they seek to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season. With the departure of Neto, who was on loan from Bournemouth, the Gunners are in need of a reliable backup for their first-choice keeper, David Raya. Kepa, who has been deemed surplus to requirements at Chelsea, is available for a modest fee of around £5 million, making him an attractive option for Arsenal as they look to bolster their goalkeeping department [https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/35294726/arsenal-transfer-kepa-arrizabalaga-chelsea-bournemouth][https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/2065513/arsenal-transfer-news-chelsea-kepa]. ### Breakdown of Arsenal's Goalkeeper Search 1. **Current Need**: - Arsenal is actively searching for a backup goalkeeper following Neto's return to Bournemouth after his loan spell [https://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/arsenal_told_how_much_chelsea_star_will_cost_as_they_consider_him/s1_15968_42292885]. 2. **Kepa's Situation**: - Kepa Arrizabalaga has returned to Chelsea after a loan spell at Bournemouth, where he performed well but was not retained by the club [https://www.sportingnews.com/in/football/arsenal/news/arsenal-ramp-goalkeeper-search-move-chelsea-man/9b3d9d8155dd3aa86f050948]. - Chelsea has indicated that Kepa is not part of their future plans and is open to selling him for a low fee [https://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/fabrizio_romano_gives_more_details_about_what_he_knows_of_arsenals_kepa_interest/s1_15968_42295068]. 3. **Arsenal's Strategy**: - The Gunners are considering Kepa as a viable option due to his Premier League experience and the low cost associated with his transfer [https://www.businessupturn.com/sports/soccer/arsenal-show-genuine-interest-in-kepa]. - Initial talks have already taken place, indicating a serious interest in securing his services [https://www.wric.com/sports/sports-illustrated/2db34a7a/arsenal-consider-shock-move-for-chelsea-outcast-low-release-clause-revealed]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Kepa's Availability**: - Chelsea is reportedly willing to let Kepa go for around £5 million, which is considered a bargain for a player of his caliber [https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/35294726/arsenal-transfer-kepa-arrizabalaga-chelsea-bournemouth]. - **Performance at Bournemouth**: - During his loan at Bournemouth, Kepa contributed significantly to the team's stability, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure [https://www.sportingnews.com/in/football/arsenal/news/arsenal-ramp-goalkeeper-search-move-chelsea-man/9b3d9d8155dd3aa86f050948]. ### Conclusion: Arsenal's Pursuit of Kepa Arrizabalaga In summary, **Arsenal is keen on signing Kepa Arrizabalaga as a backup goalkeeper** to David Raya, especially after the departure of Neto. The club is capitalizing on Kepa's uncertain future at Chelsea, where he is not in their long-term plans. The potential transfer, priced at around £5 million, presents a strategic opportunity for Arsenal to enhance their squad depth in the goalkeeping department. 1. Arsenal's need for a backup keeper is pressing due to Neto's return to Bournemouth. 2. Kepa is available for a low fee and has experience in the Premier League. 3. Initial discussions have taken place, indicating Arsenal's serious interest in Kepa's services. This move could prove beneficial for both Kepa, who seeks regular playing time, and Arsenal, who aim to solidify their goalkeeping options ahead of the new season [https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/2065513/arsenal-transfer-news-chelsea-kepa][https://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/arsenal_told_how_much_chelsea_star_will_cost_as_they_consider_him/s1_15968_42292885].