Charlie Nicholas believes that Arsenal’s signing of Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga could prove one of the shrewdest transfers of the summer.
Arrizabalaga spent last season on loan at Bournemouth, but is set to leave Stamford Bridge after being told he has no future under Enzo Maresca.
The Spaniard now looks to have found a home on the other side of London, with Arsenal set to complete a £5million deal for the 30-year-old.
Mikel Arteta’s side were in need of a second-choice keeper to provide competition for David Raya after Neto returned to Bournemouth following his season-loan long.
And in Arrizabalaga, former Arsenal striker Nicholas believes the Gunners have found the perfect candidate to provide competition for Raya whilst also adding experience to the dressing room.
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‘Kepa joining Arsenal is an immediate challenge to David Raya,’ Nicholas told Sky Bet.
‘He might not be better than Raya, but if Raya gets injured – and he takes a lot of risks – then we have a guy who is experienced at playing at the top level, and it’s a bargain for £5 million.
‘There have been a lot of past Arsenal signings from Chelsea that haven’t worked out, but to get a keeper at the top – it’s a proper challenge, not a young goalkeeper or a veteran coming in as a backup happy to sit on the bench.
‘He won’t be happy to sit on the bench; he’ll push Raya and offer real competition.
‘I didn’t see this deal coming, but I’m very pleased with it – it’s a drop in the ocean in terms of money, and it could turn out to be the best value signing of the summer.’
William Gallas not convinced about Kepa signing
While the impending signing of Arrizabalaga has Nicholas’ backing, not everyone is convinced of the deal, with William Gallas urging his former side to look for a younger player to take on the role.
‘I think Kepa to Arsenal would be a strange signing,’ he told Prime Casino.
‘The second choice goalkeeper should be a young player who is learning that can take over from David Raya in a few years time.
‘I’m not sure why you’d bring in someone who is older than him with no eye to the future.
‘Arsenal should be looking for someone in their early 20s who can learn and grow, playing in the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup. Kepa isn’t that player.’
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