Arsenal’s reserve goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has reportedly told the club he wants to leave to pursue more first-team football.
A move is increasingly likely for the Spanish shot-stopper, who only joined the Gunners from Chelsea last summer.
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Kepa has struggled to overtake David Raya in the Arsenal pecking order, but TEAMtalk reports that he already has a list of potential replacements and has already decided to move on.
One of the leading names to be named is former Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier, but others could also come into the equation.
In any case, Kepa’s time at Arsenal is likely to be short, but it will be interesting to see where the 31-year-old goes next.
Arsenal need Kepa’s replacement
Kepa played 12 games for Arsenal last season, but although he occasionally appeared on the pitch, he never really showed off.
The former Chelsea keeper was noticeably underwhelming for Mikel Arteta’s side in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, so it would probably be best for the club to bring in an upgrade as back-up next season.
After his world-class performance in Arsenal’s title win, it seems highly unlikely that Raya will lose his first place spot any time soon, but there is still a chance he could secure a more solid second place in case of injury or suspension.
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A player like Meslier might be a more reliable option. Kepa has often made high-profile individual errors for much of his time at Chelsea and certainly looked like a risky signing upon his arrival.
