'Another washed Chelsea reject!' - Mikel Arteta accused of turning Arsenal into 'retirement home' for Blues players as Gunners pursue Kepa Arrizabalaga

In recent times, the Gunners have welcomed the likes of ex-Blues stars Willian and David Luiz to Emirates Stadium. They also snapped up Germany international Kai Havertz in 2023, along with Euro 2020 winner Jorginho, while taking Raheem Sterling on loan for the 2024-25 campaign.

It is now being suggested that another Premier League performer could tread a path from west to north London. Fabrizio Romano is among those to report on Arsenal’s supposed interest in Spanish goalkeeper Kepa - who joined Chelsea for £72 million ($97m) in 2018 but has spent the last two seasons on loan at Real Madrid and Bournemouth.

News of Arsenal exploring a cut-price deal for Kepa has generated lively debate on social media. @seanafc_ said: "Mikel Arteta is a fraud he can’t go ONE window without signing a player who’s washed or a Chelsea reject." @badboy_jerry added: "Arsenal is the retirement home for Chelsea players." @Tobbyakog went on to say: "There’s nothing you can tell me, Arsenal is not an ambitious team."

On a similar theme, @ESchwaa said: "Chelsea loves to send all of their rejects to Arsenal. Go north young man!" @unknowngod002 added on the Gunners potentially bringing in cover for first-choice keeper David Raya: "Chelsea got him as a main gk but we see him as a backup. The level is clear."

It is claimed that Arsenal could do a deal for Kepa at around £5m ($7m), as he has just one year left on his contract with Chelsea and remains down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge. Arteta is looking to bring in another keeper as Neto’s loan from Bournemouth has come to an end.