Surprise Arsenal transfer story has been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano

In a twist that has left many Arsenal supporters stunned, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed reports that Arsenal are considering a move for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. The former Real Madrid loanee, who recently completed a loan spell at Bournemouth, is now being lined up as a potential backup to David Raya for the upcoming season.

While many fans expected the Gunners to prioritize a striker or winger in this summer’s transfer window, Mikel Arteta and the recruitment team appear to be laying groundwork for a quieter but strategic acquisition between the posts. Romano’s update has solidified the growing whispers: Arsenal have already been informed about the £5 million release clause in Kepa’s contract.

This potential move represents an intriguing chapter in the ever-evolving relationship between Arsenal and Chelsea in the transfer market. From David Luiz and Willian to Kai Havertz, the two London giants have exchanged multiple players over recent years — and Kepa could be the latest to make the trip across the capital.

Romano took to X (formerly Twitter) to reveal that initial discussions had taken place regarding Kepa. The talks, as reported by Sky UK, were exploratory — focused on understanding the financials and terms of the deal rather than any full-fledged negotiations at this stage.

Kepa, once the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, had a turbulent spell at Chelsea filled with inconsistency and criticism. Signed from Athletic Bilbao for a staggering £71.6 million in 2018, he struggled to justify his price tag and was eventually replaced by Edouard Mendy. His trajectory changed again when Chelsea brought in Robert Sánchez, effectively pushing Kepa further down the pecking order.

However, the Spanish shot-stopper showed signs of revival during his loan at Bournemouth. Under Andoni Iraola, Kepa regained some confidence and looked far more composed between the sticks, drawing praise for his reflex saves and improved distribution.

It is precisely this recent form that seems to have caught Arsenal’s attention. Though Kepa may not be in contention for a starting role ahead of Raya, Arteta appears to value experience and depth in his squad — especially with Arsenal aiming to compete strongly in both the Premier League and Champions League next season.

Arsenal’s pursuit of Kepa could also be linked to the uncertain future of Aaron Ramsdale. Once considered a key player, Ramsdale lost his spot to Raya last season and may seek a move elsewhere in search of regular minutes. With that in mind, bringing in a seasoned and relatively affordable backup like Kepa would be a strategic and risk-free move.

The £5 million clause also makes the deal financially viable, especially for a club like Arsenal who are trying to balance big-money deals with smart, cost-effective signings. Kepa, with Premier League experience and Champions League exposure, fits the mold of a player who could be relied upon in case of injury or rotation.

Still, not all Arsenal fans are convinced. Many on social media have questioned the logic behind signing a player who was deemed surplus at Chelsea and only recently started to rebuild his reputation. For some, the move signals a lack of ambition, especially as Arsenal continue to delay addressing the more pressing need for a prolific striker.

Nonetheless, the transfer window is still young, and Arteta has proven in the past that he’s not afraid to make unpopular decisions if he believes it benefits the squad in the long run. The success of Kai Havertz — another Chelsea alumnus who many doubted initially — could serve as a blueprint for Kepa’s potential resurgence at the Emirates.

Historically, there have been other successful transitions between Chelsea and Arsenal. Olivier Giroud, for instance, thrived after moving across London, even if it wasn’t a direct swap. And while others like Willian failed to leave a lasting impact, Kepa’s role as a backup would lower the expectations and pressure placed on him.

The move also highlights the growing pragmatism in Arsenal’s transfer strategy. With Champions League football secured, squad depth will be crucial. Raya can’t play every match, and having an experienced backup ensures that the team doesn’t collapse in case of an injury or suspension.

Additionally, Kepa would provide a veteran presence in the dressing room, especially among younger defenders who are still learning the rigors of top-flight football. His experience in La Liga, the Premier League, and on the international stage could offer valuable insights during high-stakes games.

If the deal does go through, it would be yet another sign of how Arteta is not just building a team — he’s creating a system. And systems require not just stars, but also reliable contributors who can step in and perform without disrupting the flow.

The coming weeks will determine if Arsenal decide to act on their initial interest. While Romano’s confirmation doesn’t mean the deal is imminent, it does validate that Kepa is firmly on the Gunners’ radar.

In a transfer window full of unpredictable moves, this could end up being one of the more understated yet strategic acquisitions — a quiet reinforcement that might prove crucial come next season.

Whether fans embrace or reject the idea, Kepa to Arsenal is no longer just a rumour. With Romano confirming the discussions, the ball is now in Arsenal’s court. And if past windows are anything to go by, Arteta and Edu rarely show their full hand until the final moments.