Arsenal signs Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga

Arsenal completed the signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea on Tuesday.

Kepa was a $92.6 million world record signing for a goalkeeper when joining Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao in 2018 and went on to win the Champions League, Europa League and Club World Cup during his seven years at the club.

But he spent long periods of his time at Stamford Bridge as a backup and leaves after loans spells at Bournemouth and Real Madrid over the past two seasons.

“He brings a wealth of experience, which his teammates will benefit from, and he has a real hunger to win,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said. “Kepa works hard and will elevate our levels.”

Kepa posted a goodbye message to Chelsea fans on social media before his move to Arsenal was announced. The move was worth a reported £5 million.

“After seven unforgettable years the time has come to close a very special chapter in my life,” he posted. “Chelsea was my home, my family and the place where I grew both as a footballer and as a person.

“Now a new chapter begins, and I face it with the same passion and commitment as always.”

Arsenal did not say the length of the 30-year-old Kepa’s contract. He will compete with David Raya for the No. 1 spot at London club, which has finished runner-up in the Premier League in the last three years.

“I think we are so close to winning and, hopefully, altogether, we can achieve it,” Kepa said.

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This story has been corrected to show that Kepa was not a free agent.

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James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer