The Athletic reported that Arsenal has listed Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa as the top target for substitute goalkeeper signing this summer.
With Neto returning to Bournemouth after his loan period expires, the Gunners are in urgent need of supplementing experienced goalkeepers. After missing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia who is about to join Barcelona, the club turned its attention to the 30-year-old Kepa. Although other options are still being evaluated, Kepa is currently the most popular candidate.
Kepa, who played for Bournemouth last season, included a £5 million termination clause in his Chelsea contract. Arsenal regards this as a market opportunity and can sign a goalkeeper with both Premier League and Champions League experience at a reasonable price. The club is actively promoting an agreement with the players.
Kepa made 35 appearances in various competitions under Ilara last season and completed 9 clean sheets, helping the Cherry Army ranked ninth in the Premier League with a team record of 56 points. The goalkeeper, who played 13 times for Spain, joined Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao in 2018 for £71.6 million, and made 163 appearances for the Blues, winning four trophies including the 2021 Champions League.
TA said that the Arsenal coaching staff has long admired Kepa, and his name has not been mentioned in the club's signing discussion. The low price means Kepa may face multi-party competition this summer. The complex factor for the Gunners is that 29-year-old David Raya has secured his position as the main player, and his outstanding performance in the 2024-25 season ensures a position. Despite this, Kepa is willing to consider Arsenal's invitation.