Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has become the latest addition to Arsenal’s squad ahead of the next season. Kepa has joined Arsenal after spending a long 7 years in their rival club, Chelsea. With the inclusion of Kepa, another player has now moved from Chelsea to Arsenal. The former Real Madrid loanee spent the last season in Bournemouth where he played 35 matches and managed to keep 13 clean sheets. Kepa was always the backup option for coaches in Chelsea in recent years. While Kepa remained loyal to Chelsea, the club has sent the Spanish to different clubs as a loan player. Although he finally hoped of being the number one choice again at Chelsea, Chelsea have been looking for a replacement for Roberto Sanchez in the transfer market. Arsenal triggered the release clause in Arrizabalaga’s contract and Chelsea immediately agreed to offload the goalkeeper.
Kepa Arrizabalaga Must Save his Career
There are a bunch of brilliant footballers who are considered to be born in the wrong era of Football. Kepa Arrizabalaga also comes under this category. The Spanish footballer was a youth player of Athletic Bilbao. He first caught the eyes after the 2017-18 La Liga season with the Spanish club. He also cracked the Spain national team in the same year. Finally, he made his first big jump in his career and signed for Chelsea in the very next season. He began his career in Chelsea under Italian coach Maurizio Sarri. Kepa Arrizabalaga was a part of the core team of Chelsea for a few seasons but things changed for him quickly. He lost his place to Eduardo Mendy. In the 2023-24 season, Real Madrid loaned Kepa in from Chelsea as Thibaut Courtois got sidelined for several months. Kepa gave his all and saved Madrid’s reputation multiple times throughout that season. Unfortunately, he lost his place to Andre Lunin there also. But the fans fell in love with the loan player. Kepa had to return to Chelsea after expiry of his loan move. Once again, Kepa had to move to Bournemouth. After 7 long years, Kepa has finally realised that his time in Chelsea is over.
The Controversial Kepa Arrizabalaga Moment
Kepa is infamous for his refusal to be substituted in a match. During a match against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, the then-Chelsea head coach Sarri wanted to replace Kepa. But the substitution didn’t happen. Out of the blue, Kepa started refusing to come off. The situation turned into complete chaos. Even Kepa’s teammates were telling him to be subbed off but Kepa stood still. It had become a situation as if Chelsea had found a new coach in Kepa. After a moment of absolute drama, Sarri became furious and left the sidelines. Kepa continued to play on. Eventually, he saved a shot in the tiebreaker but Manchester City went through.
A Starting Place Contention for Arsenal?
Arsenal have made a surprising transfer in Kepa’s deal. While they are in search of a box striker, Kepa Arrizabalaga’s inclusion has created a new dispute among fans. David Raya is already Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper. Kepa Arrizabalaga is also aware of this situation but he has expressed that he has faith in Arteta’s plan. ” I know he will fit in perfectly, already knowing some of his teammates, and we are really excited about his future with us.” – said Mikel Arteta on Kepa in the club’s website. Kepa will put on jersey number 13. He will join Arsenal’s training sessions with immediate effect.
Author’s Opinion
With Kepa’s inclusion, it will benefit Arsenal in their long-term campaign for sure. On his day, he can be a wall for his team. This is a smart and calculative move from Arsenal. Now it will be interesting to see if Arteta gives him more game time.
Comment down your thoughts on this transfer.
As featured on Chelseanews.comAs featured on GoonerNews.com
