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Goalkeepers · GK

Kepa Arrizabalaga

Kepa Arrizabalaga arrived as experienced cover with a point to prove, a goalkeeper who has lived through the brightest lights and the harshest scrutiny. At Arsenal, his value is calm depth: a senior voice for the goalkeeping group and a cup-night option who knows exactly what pressure feels like.

Profile
bornOndarroa, Spain, 1994
signed2025, from Chelsea

Before N5

Kepa came through Athletic Club's Basque pathway, where goalkeepers are expected to be brave with their feet and proud under crosses. Chelsea made him the world's most expensive keeper in 2018, and the years that followed brought everything at once: huge saves, difficult spells, a Champions League medal, and loans that forced him to rebuild rhythm away from Stamford Bridge.

The Arsenal chapter

Arsenal brought him in from Chelsea in 2025 for experience rather than theatre. He does not need to be the story every week; he needs to train at first-team speed, push Raya, and be ready when cup ties or injuries turn the lights towards him. That sort of senior depth is how title squads avoid panic.

How he plays

Kepa is sharp off his line and comfortable receiving under pressure. His best games are built on quick feet, early decisions, and aggressive starting positions rather than pure size. In this squad, he is a keeper who can keep Arsenal's build-up language intact when the number one is rested.

Timeline

Honours

See the full Arsenal honours record for the club-wide list.

Publication record

Squad snapshot checked 24 Aug 2026. This page is a men’s first-team editorial record; availability and selection can change after publication.

Squad sources

Links and source labels are shown exactly as retained in the published record.