“Kepa Is Worth Keeping”—Chelsea Legends Warn Club Not to Sell Goalkeeper to Arsenal

Chelsea have been strongly advised to cancel their reported deal to sell Kepa Arrizabalaga to Arsenal, with former Blues stars warning the club not to strengthen a direct Premier League rival while potentially losing a valuable goalkeeper.

The Gunners are said to be closing in on a £5 million move for Kepa, who they want as backup to David Raya for the 2024/25 season. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is looking to strengthen his goalkeeper department after Neto, who served as second choice last season, returned to Bournemouth.

Kepa was signed by Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao in 2018 for a record £72 million, making him the most expensive goalkeeper in football history. But after failing to consistently deliver top performances, he lost his place and has since been loaned out to Real Madrid and Bournemouth.

Now 29, Kepa has rebuilt some of his confidence and form, especially during his recent spell with Bournemouth. However, despite his improvement, Chelsea appear ready to take a huge financial loss by letting him go for a fraction of the original transfer fee.

Chelsea’s attempts to sign a new No. 1 this summer have failed so far — including a rejected move for Mike Maignan — and existing keepers Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic have yet to fully convince fans and experts alike.

Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin believes the Blues should look no further than Kepa to solve their goalkeeping dilemma.

“Kepa is as good as any of the goalkeepers we have mentioned and he’s an option that I think is worth revisiting for Chelsea,” Nevin told Spin Genie.

“I’m not sure if the ownership regime would think the same, but he’s there and they’re paying him. If he’s the best option at the club after learning a lot during his loan, Chelsea shouldn’t be looking all around the world for another goalkeeper.”

Nevin added that Kepa has improved with his feet and remains a top-level shot-stopper, and while he may lack a commanding presence in the box, Chelsea have bigger issues in other areas of the pitch.

Nevin isn’t the only one questioning the potential sale. Former Blues winger Shaun Wright-Phillips has also criticised the move — especially as Kepa would be heading to a direct rival.

“I’m confused. I don’t understand,” he said via Betway. “It’s like nobody’s been watching Kepa this season. He’s been unbelievable.”

Wright-Phillips praised Kepa’s performances at Bournemouth and believes the Spaniard played a key role in the club’s impressive finish last season. He also suggested that Chelsea’s defensive struggles may be hiding the real value of their goalkeepers.

“You can have the best keeper, but if your defence keeps making mistakes, goals will still go in. If Chelsea fix their defence, I think Kepa is the man to stick with. You don’t need to look elsewhere.”

He added that while modern managers want keepers who are excellent with their feet, Kepa’s footwork is solid enough — and his experience could be key moving forward.

Chelsea currently have five goalkeepers on their books, including Robert Sanchez, Djordje Petrovic, Filip Jorgensen, Gabriel Slonina, and Kepa. But with uncertainty around form and consistency, there is still no clear No. 1 heading into the new season.

The Blues are expected to continue assessing their goalkeeping options this summer — but the voices of experienced former players like Nevin and Wright-Phillips might give the club something to think about before finalising Kepa’s sale.