Arsenal could finally announce their first signing of the summer window this week in the form of Kepa Arrizabalaga.
While a number of fringe players have already departed the club, Andrea Berta is yet to make his first signing as sporting director. The Italian and Mikel Arteta have been busy in the background, however, with a list of targets drawn up.
football.london understands the Gunners want to strengthen the squad for the 2025/26 season, with a back-up goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, striker and possibly a wide forward on the agenda. A £55million deal for Martin Zubimendi has been agreed, with just a medical left to complete, but the transfer is not expected to be completed until July due to accounting reasons.
One move which could be announced this week is Kepa’s, with the Chelsea goalkeeper expected to join as a back-up to David Raya. The Spaniard is available for £5million and football.london understands the club and player both want the deal to happen.
According to The Athletic, Kepa is expected at Arsenal’s training ground this week to tie up the move. The 30-year-old has no future at Stamford Bridge and spent last campaign on loan at Bournemouth, where he kept eight clean sheets in 31 appearances in the Premier League.
If Kepa’s move is competed, it would mean Arteta has two experienced goalkeepers within his squad, with Raya the undoubted No.1. Tommy Setford, who made his debut against Preston North End in the Carabao Cup last October, is expected to be the club’s third choice goalkeeper.
Karl Hein, who spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Real Valladolid, may look to be sold this summer after a decent year personally. While the Spanish side finished bottom of La Liga, Hein played 31 matches and kept five clean sheets. The 23-year-old will likely want more first team football and any money generated from his departure could be used for further incomings.
Once Kepa’s deal is completed, Berta may look to finally secure a new striker, with Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres linked. Both players are of interest to the Gunners this summer but a deal has yet to be agreed, with Sesko seen as the preferred candidate between the two.
