Singapore – Is the world’s costliest goalkeeper now better understood? Kepa Arrizabalaga transferred to Arsenal at the start of July after the Gunners activated a £5 million release clause to bring him in from Chelsea.
This move comes nearly seven years after Chelsea paid a staggering £71.6 million to acquire him from Athletic Club. Although Kepa’s reputation has significantly declined since then, it’s still surprising that he joins the club as the established No. 1 alongside David Raya.
After Chelsea became a less viable option for him, Kepa found himself at Real Madrid for the 2023-24 season, primarily as a backup for Thibaut Courtois. An adductor injury sidelined him, providing Andree Lunin with an opportunity that he seized, ultimately keeping Kepa on the bench for the remainder of the season.
-2025 FC 100: Ranking the world’s top goalkeepers in men’s soccer
-Gyökeres is finally nearing a move to Arsenal. What took so long?
-After turning down Liverpool, can Zvimendi secure the title for Arsenal?
A new chapter for Kepa began in Bournemouth in August 2024, where he took over from Neto, who was loaned to Arsenal for the season. Despite only managing seven clean sheets in 26 appearances, he appeared to reclaim his position as the primary choice.
So, what has Kepa’s season at Arsenal looked like? The Gunners are now facing another goalkeeping dilemma similar to the one they encountered when Raya was signed in the summer of 2023.
Why did Arsenal sign Kepa?
Arsenal’s strategy for building its roster has shifted. Mikel Arteta, who once preferred smaller squads of elite players, is now focusing on enhancing depth throughout the team. The transfer of Raya is notable; last season, Arsenal played 58 matches, with the Spanish international participating in 55 of them. Young goalkeeper Jack Porter faced Bolton Wanderers in the EFL Cup, while Tommy Thetford stepped in against Preston North End during the FA Cup, with the only appearance for the team’s dead rubber in the UEFA Champions League being in January.
Arteta, while on the preseason tour in Asia, emphasized the injuries sustained last season and the physical demands of competing across four tournaments. This prompted the Gunners to move away from their previous signature tier system.
“Tier 1 suggests readiness to start,” Arteta mentioned. “However, I no longer believe in that concept. The evolution of the game and the demands of playing 70-75 matches a season require a broader perspective.”
“Ultimately, we aspire to build a team similar to those already established in the league. It’s essential that we can’t distinctly identify who will play each match. Once we achieve that, we will foster the right competitiveness among players,” he added.
While Kepa, 30, has faced criticism, he brings a quality that differs from Raya’s previous competitor, Neto. As Raya noted, “I understand how these signings affect our competitiveness, and managing two top players for each position is vital for the manager’s philosophy.”
What is Raya’s reaction?
In an interview with ESPN in Singapore, Raya was directly asked what Arteta had communicated about Kepa’s arrival and whether he still saw himself as Arsenal’s first choice.
“Nothing,” Raya responded. “Kepa arrived as a new teammate to bolster the squad. The manager hasn’t indicated anything, so we’ll see how it unfolds.” When questioned about the pressure Kepa’s signing might impose, Raya replied, “No, it’s just a healthy relationship. We’re friends and national teammates, and that friendship fosters a healthy partnership at goal. I understand the unique challenges a goalkeeper faces—only one gets to play.”
Ramsdale, who began his Arsenal career on a positive note after joining from Sheffield United in 2021, now faces greater scrutiny following Raya’s addition. His move came partly upon the recommendation of goalkeeping coach Inayaki Kanya, who previously worked with Raya at Brentford.
This transition presented a difficult period as Raya gradually usurped Ramsdale as the first-choice keeper. Throughout this adjustment, Arteta’s messaging wasn’t particularly clear, with sources suggesting Ramsdale believed Raya faced undue skepticism when he began to play more regularly. Coaching staff reportedly valued Raya’s distribution skills and composure as vital assets.
Raya emphasized that this competition would benefit both goalkeepers. “It helps everyone involved,” he explained. “Competing elevates our game, and I’ll grow alongside him. Ultimately, it’s about the team’s benefit.”
How does Kepa compare to Raya?
Examining statistics over the last two league seasons, Kepa has played 45 matches for Real Madrid and Bournemouth, while David Raya has featured in 70. Kepa’s save percentage was a bit higher at 72.7% compared to Raya’s 69.3%, and his passing completion rate was also better at 74.1% versus 70.7%. However, the amount of games played diminishes that advantage.
Crucially, Raya made 11 errors that led to shots on goal, while Kepa committed only two during the same timeframe, putting Raya among the highest for errors among Premier League goalkeepers in the past two seasons.
What does Arteta plan to do?
During a friendly match, it’s difficult to derive significant conclusions from a planned penalty shootout, yet Kepa’s standout performance, saving three penalties in a 6-5 loss to AC Milan in Singapore (with a goal from Buka Yoseka), showcased his confidence. Sources revealed that Arteta was impressed by Kepa’s willingness to learn and develop. Two days later, Kanya guided Kepa on proper positioning during an open training session.
Arteta remarked, “Kepa isn’t far from where I reside in San Sebastian. What immediate thoughts come to mind when you see him?”
In the friendly against Milan, both keepers played 45 minutes, but it’s probable Raya will enter the new season as Arsenal’s primary option. Kepa’s signing could assist Arteta in executing his previously articulated strategy of rotating goalkeepers.
“I have few regrets, but I do wish I’d had the courage to swap goalkeepers during the critical moments of previous matches,” Arteta reflected in September 2023, referring to a 2-2 draw against Liverpool in April. With his quest to achieve incremental improvements leading to his first trophy in five years, Arteta may be looking to extend this innovative strategy into goalkeeping.
Fan Take: This transfer adds intrigue to the ongoing narrative of goalkeeping dynamics in the Premier League, showcasing how teams are prioritizing depth and competition. As soccer continues to evolve, fans should keep an eye on how this signing impacts Arsenal’s performance and their quest for silverware.
