Chelsea star agrees to join Arsenal as Mikel Arteta pushes for move: Reports
Arsenal are reportedly close to signing Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, according to football journalist David Ornstein. The deal is expected to be finalised soon as the Spanish custodian is keen to join the Gunners and fight to become their first-choice goalkeeper.
The north London side have offered the 30-year-old a long-term deal. He's also ready to start as a backup for David Raya. Kepa Arrizabalaga had a release clause of £5 million, which will soon be activated.
The Spaniard joined the Stamford Bridge outfit in August 18 from Athletic Bilbao for a reported fee of £72 million. He played as Chelsea's first-choice goalkeeper for a while; however, he was loaned to Real Madrid in the 2023-24 season. His time at Santiago Bernabeu was unpropitious because after suffering an adductor injury, he was replaced by Andriy Lunin.
Making only 20 appearances for Los Blancos, the Spanish goalkeeper kept nine clean sheets and conceded 18 goals. Last summer, the Blues sent Kepa Arrizabalaga on a full-season loan to Bournemouth. The Spanish custodian made 35 appearances for the Cherries, keeping nine clean sheets and conceding 43 goals across all competitions.
Kepa has won two UEFA Champions League titles, the FIFA Club World Cup, the La Liga, UEFA Super Cup, Europa League, and the Spanish Super Cup.
Former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Jorginho joins Brazilian side Flamengo
Former Chelsea midfielder Jorginho has joined Brazilian side Flamengo on a free transfer. The Italian midfielder was expected to leave Arsenal on June 30 upon the expiration of his contract. However, Gunners announced that they have parted ways with Jorginho after reaching a mutual agreement.
The Gunners announced on their official website. After becoming a free agent with immediate effect, the Italian midfielder joined Flamengo ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. The tournament will start on June 14 in the United States.
He arrived in the Premier League in 2018, when he joined Chelsea from Napoli. The 33-year-old won the UEFA Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and the Europa League with the Blues. Later, Jorginho joined Arsenal from the Stamford Bridge outfit in January 2023.
