### Chelsea's Goalkeeper Exodus: Kepa Arrizabalaga at the Center of Arsenal's Transfer Plans Chelsea Football Club has confirmed the departure of three goalkeepers, including Kepa Arrizabalaga, amid Arsenal's keen interest in signing the Spanish international. The Blues are reportedly looking to revamp their goalkeeping lineup, with AC Milan's Mike Maignan being a primary target as they prepare for the upcoming season [https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea-fc-transfer-news-goalkeepers-kepa-arsenal-b1232012.html]. Kepa, who has struggled for form and consistency, is expected to leave Chelsea after being informed he is not part of the club's future plans [https://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/fabrizio_romano_gives_more_details_about_what_he_knows_of_arsenals_kepa_interest/s1_15968_42295068]. ### Arsenal's Pursuit of Kepa Arrizabalaga: A Structured Overview 1. **Current Situation**: Arsenal is actively pursuing Kepa Arrizabalaga as a potential backup goalkeeper following the expiration of Neto's loan from Bournemouth. 2. **Transfer Details**: The Gunners are expected to trigger Kepa's £5 million release clause, making the deal financially viable [https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13380485/kepa-arrizabalaga-transfer-arsenal-progressing-with-a-deal-to-sign-goalkeeper-from-chelsea]. 3. **Competition and Alternatives**: Arsenal initially targeted Espanyol's Joan García but are now shifting focus to Kepa due to García's impending move to Barcelona [https://fox59.com/sports/sports-illustrated/bb411cb3/arsenal-agree-shock-deal-to-sign-struggling-chelsea-goalkeeper]. 4. **Kepa's Status**: After a season on loan at Bournemouth, Kepa has returned to Chelsea, where he is not in the club's long-term plans, prompting his search for a new club [https://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/arsenal_told_how_much_chelsea_star_will_cost_as_they_consider_him/s1_15968_42292885]. ### Supporting Evidence: Key Data Points - **Release Clause**: Kepa Arrizabalaga's contract includes a release clause of **£5 million** [https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/kepa-arrizabalaga-to-join-arsenal-in-bargain-deal/story]. - **Loan History**: Kepa spent the previous season on loan at Bournemouth, where he performed adequately, but the club opted not to make the move permanent [https://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/fabrizio_romano_gives_more_details_about_what_he_knows_of_arsenals_kepa_interest/s1_15968_42295068]. - **Arsenal's Goalkeeping Needs**: With Neto returning to Bournemouth, Arsenal is in urgent need of a reliable backup for David Raya, making Kepa a fitting candidate [https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/2065513/arsenal-transfer-news-chelsea-kepa]. ### Conclusion: Kepa's Move to Arsenal Seems Imminent In summary, **Kepa Arrizabalaga is on the verge of joining Arsenal**, with the club actively working to finalize the deal. The Gunners are motivated by the need for a backup goalkeeper and the attractive release clause in Kepa's contract. The situation is further complicated by Arsenal's initial interest in other targets, which have since fallen through, making Kepa their primary focus. 1. Arsenal's interest in Kepa is driven by the need for a backup goalkeeper. 2. The £5 million release clause makes the transfer financially feasible. 3. Kepa's lack of future prospects at Chelsea accelerates the likelihood of his departure. 4. The deal is expected to be finalized soon, with Kepa set to compete for a spot in Arsenal's squad [https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/35294726/arsenal-transfer-kepa-arrizabalaga-chelsea-bournemouth].