Arsenal players were quick to share their excitement after the club confirmed their first summer signing ahead of what promises to be a busy window.
Arsenal are expected to be active in the market, with several high-profile targets linked as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his squad for the new season.
It also marks the beginning of a new era for Andrea Berta, who joined as sporting director following a successful 12-year spell at Atletico Madrid, and will no doubt be eager to make an immediate impact at the Emirates.
The club have already confirmed a number of outgoings, with Kieran Tierney, Nuno Tavares and Jorginho all sealing moves away from Arsenal in recent weeks.
While much of the focus has been on bringing in a forward, the club have moved quickly to bolster their goalkeeping department instead, securing their first new arrival of the window.
Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea after activating a £5million release clause in his contract.
The club announced the deal on 1 July, with the official Instagram account posting: “Here to raise the levels. Kepa Arrizabalaga is a Gunner.
The announcement prompted an excited reaction from several players, with Kai Havertz commenting, “Let’s go!!” while Kepa himself responded with a heart emoji.
Declan Rice, David Raya and former teammate Justin Kluivert were among those to like the post.
Kepa became the world’s most expensive goalkeeper when he joined Chelsea in 2018 for £70million, enjoyed a solid loan spell at Bournemouth last season. He made 31 Premier League appearances for the Cherries, keeping eight clean sheets.
After several loan spells away from Stamford Bridge, the Spaniard has now sealed a permanent move to the Emirates on a three-year deal.
He is expected to provide strong competition for Raya as Arsenal strengthen their goalkeeping options ahead of the new campaign.
The Gunners are only getting started with their summer business, with attacking reinforcements expected to follow Kepa’s arrival.
Football Insider revealed that Arsenal have stepped up their interest in Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, who has a £68million release clause written into his contract.
Tottenham have also shown interest in the England international but appear to be turning their focus elsewhere, with reports suggesting they are advancing talks over a deal for Mohamed Kudus.
Arsenal have held a long-standing interest in Eze, and with his release clause active, the North London side have a clear opportunity to secure his signature if they choose to formalise their approach in the coming weeks.
