Arsenal Slammed Over Puzzling Transfer Move

A signing Arsenal are expected to wrap up later this week is already drawing criticism from a former club defender, with the Gunners being accused of lacking long-term vision.

While Arsenal have yet to make a move in the summer transfer window, that is about to change. Martin Zubimendi is set to become the club’s first signing after flying into England earlier this week to finalize his transfer.

The Gunners have agreed to pay Real Sociedad €65 million—slightly above the midfielder’s €60 million release clause. This strategic move allows Arsenal to pay the fee in instalments rather than all at once.

Fans hoping for a marquee striker to follow Zubimendi may be surprised by the club’s next move, which targets the opposite end of the pitch.

Arsenal are set to activate Kepa Arrizabalaga’s modest £5 million release clause. The Chelsea goalkeeper—still the most expensive shot-stopper in history at £71.6 million—will join as Arsenal’s new back-up keeper.

Kepa, now 30, is expected to replace loanee Neto, who will return to Bournemouth on June 30.

The Spaniard impressed during his loan spell with the Cherries last season. While his time at Chelsea fell short of expectations, he wasn’t considered a complete flop either.

Still, former Arsenal and Chelsea defender William Gallas has openly questioned the move, which is reportedly on the verge of completion, according to The Athletic.

“I think Kepa to Arsenal would be a strange signing,” Gallas told Goal.
“The second-choice goalkeeper should be a young player who is learning—someone who can eventually replace David Raya. I don’t understand why you’d bring in someone older with no long-term prospects.
Arsenal should be targeting someone in their early 20s to grow and develop by playing in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. Kepa just isn’t that type of player.”

Is Arsenal’s Approach Really That Unusual?

There’s merit to Gallas’ argument about grooming a young goalkeeper for the future. However, there’s also a strong case for experience—especially if David Raya were to suffer an injury during a crucial part of the season. Would Mikel Arteta prefer a seasoned backup or an untested youngster in high-stakes situations?

Looking around the Premier League, relying on youthful second-choice keepers isn’t as common as some may think.

Liverpool found a gem in Caoimhin Kelleher, now 26, but have since moved on to 24-year-old Giorgi Mamardashvili—who already boasts over 200 senior appearances. Despite his age, Mamardashvili is hardly considered a developing talent.

At Manchester City, Ederson’s deputy has been 32-year-old Stefan Ortega for the past three years. Ortega made headlines in May 2024 with a crucial one-on-one save against Son Heung-min, helping City clinch the Premier League title—ironically at Arsenal’s expense.

TeamTalk

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