BREAKING NEWS: “I’m really not happy with Mikel Arteta right now because this wasn’t what he promised me before my arrival. All my mates have been called up for international duty and I’m here wasting on the bench,” Arsenal goalkeeper expressed his dissatisfaction with the limited playing time he’s received since joining the Gunners — ARTETA NEEDS TO START USING HIM NOW TO AVOID LOSING HIM BY JANUARY

Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium has become the center of heated discussions following Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga’s explosive comments about his situation under Mikel Arteta. The 30-year-old shot-stopper, who joined the Gunners in the summer transfer window, openly voiced his frustrations over what he described as “broken promises” and a lack of fair opportunities to prove himself. His statement has shaken the Arsenal fanbase and raised questions about Arteta’s handling of senior players.

Kepa’s remarks came during an emotional interview with Marca, just hours before Spain’s Nations League clash with England. He lamented his exclusion from the national team setup and blamed his benching at Arsenal for derailing his international career. “I’m really not happy with Mikel Arteta right now because this wasn’t what he promised me before my arrival. All my mates have been called up for international duty and I’m here wasting on the bench,” he said. The statement sent shockwaves across both North London and Spain, sparking debate among pundits and supporters alike.

The former Chelsea goalkeeper joined Arsenal on July 1, 2025, in a £5 million move after an impressive loan spell at Bournemouth. During that season, he recorded 12 clean sheets in 28 Premier League appearances, reaffirming his quality and experience at the top level. When the deal was announced, Arteta called Kepa’s signing a “massive boost” and a chance to introduce strong competition for David Raya, who had just completed his permanent move from Brentford. Fans anticipated a healthy rivalry for the number one spot — but that has yet to materialize.

In the three months since his arrival, Kepa has barely seen any action. His only appearance came in the Carabao Cup against Crawley Town on August 27, a game Arsenal won comfortably but one that hasn’t been followed by further opportunities. Meanwhile, Raya has featured in almost every competitive fixture, delivering 15 clean sheets in 18 matches. That consistency has left little room for rotation — yet it has also left Kepa feeling misled and underutilized.

Sources close to the club revealed that Arteta personally promised Kepa a “fair competition” and significant chances to earn the starting role. However, that promise appears unfulfilled. “He told me I’d have opportunities to compete. But I’ve played one game in three months,” Kepa reportedly told his inner circle. The frustration reached boiling point when Spain coach Luis de la Fuente opted to call up Unai Simón, Alex Remiro, and David Raya — leaving Kepa out entirely. For a player once tipped to be Spain’s long-term No. 1, the snub felt humiliating.

Arsenal’s season so far has been a mix of brilliance and inconsistency. They started strong, unbeaten in their first seven league games, but a 1–0 loss to Newcastle on September 28 halted their momentum. Raya’s performances have been steady, but cracks are beginning to show — particularly in high-stakes matches where his distribution and decision-making have come under scrutiny. Some fans now argue that Arteta’s loyalty to Raya is preventing the squad from evolving, with “#StartKepa” trending on social media after the Newcastle defeat.

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville also weighed in on the controversy during Sky Sports’ post-match analysis. “Kepa’s got pedigree,” he said. “He’s played for Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Spain. You don’t sign that kind of player to keep him as a bench ornament. Arteta has to manage this better because he risks losing Kepa in January — and Arsenal can’t afford that.” Neville’s sentiment reflects a growing belief that the Gunners must rotate to maintain harmony in the dressing room.

Behind the scenes, tensions are reportedly rising between Arteta and the club’s goalkeeping coach, Iñaki Caña, who is said to favor Raya due to their long-standing relationship from Brentford. Some insiders claim that this dynamic has left Kepa feeling isolated, despite Arteta publicly insisting that “competition remains open.” When asked about the situation before Arsenal’s clash with West Ham on October 4, Arteta offered a diplomatic response: “Kepa’s an outstanding professional. He trains hard, and he’s part of our future. Every decision is for the good of the team.”

However, Arsenal’s upper management is said to be closely monitoring the situation. Owner Stan Kroenke has reportedly expressed concern that another player dispute could harm the club’s image, particularly after the fallout from Aaron Ramsdale’s departure to Southampton in 2023. There are whispers that Serie A sides like AC Milan and Atalanta are preparing January loan offers should Kepa’s situation remain unchanged. Such a move could help him revive his international ambitions — but it would also leave Arsenal short of experienced backup in a crucial title-chasing season.

As things stand, Mikel Arteta faces one of the toughest man-management tests of his tenure. Balancing loyalty to his trusted players with fairness to new signings will determine not just Kepa’s future, but also the club’s internal unity. The Spaniard’s handling of this saga could define Arsenal’s second half of the campaign. Fans are divided — some urging patience, others demanding change — but all agree on one thing: if Kepa doesn’t start playing soon, the Gunners could lose one of Europe’s most talented goalkeepers before the season even hits full stride.

For now, all eyes are on Arteta. Will he give Kepa the chance he was promised, or stick with Raya and risk another fallout? January is fast approaching — and Arsenal may soon find themselves at the center of yet another transfer storm.