Kepa tells Arsenal he wants to leave as exit becomes increasingly likely
The Spanish goalkeeper has informed Arsenal of his desire to move on after failing to displace David Raya as first-choice keeper at the Emirates.
Kepa Arrizabalaga has told Arsenal he wants to leave the club this summer, with an exit now increasingly likely less than 12 months after joining from Chelsea. The Spanish goalkeeper has found himself unable to displace David Raya as the Gunners' first-choice keeper and is seeking a move that gives him regular first-team football.
Kepa joined Arsenal last summer as backup cover, but the arrangement has not satisfied a goalkeeper of his experience and ambition. At 31, first-team football is a priority, and sitting on the bench week to week at the Emirates has not provided what he needs at this stage of his career. His request to leave is understood to have been communicated to Arsenal's hierarchy clearly, and the club are now exploring their options in the goalkeeper market ahead of next season.
Reports have linked Illan Meslier, the former Leeds United goalkeeper now at Manchester City, as a potential replacement. The 25-year-old has Premier League experience and would accept a backup role in exchange for a chance to develop within a top-four environment. Any deal, however, depends on Arsenal moving Kepa on first to create the necessary wage space.
For Kepa, the move to Arsenal was meant to reignite his career after a difficult final period at Chelsea, where his relationship with the club soured following a high-profile loan to Real Madrid. He performed well when given opportunities at the Emirates but could never genuinely threaten Raya, who has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League under Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal will not stand in Kepa's way if an appropriate offer arrives. With Morgan Rogers the club's primary transfer focus this summer, and squad depth in several other positions also under review, a clean and straightforward exit for the goalkeeper suits all parties. Several clubs in Spain and Italy are understood to be monitoring his situation, and a return to La Liga - where Kepa made his name at Athletic Club before his record-breaking Chelsea move - is one avenue being discussed.
Raya is firmly established as Arsenal's number one with no realistic challenge to his position. Whoever arrives to serve as backup will need to accept a supporting role. Whether that turns out to be Meslier or another option, the Kepa chapter at the Emirates appears to be approaching its end, with the club and player seemingly aligned on the need for a summer move.