Inter Milan are considering a move for Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga following a change of plans regarding their future goalkeeping options, according to reports in Italy. The potential transfer comes with the anticipated departure of current Inter number one Yann Sommer.
Initial plans involved pursuing Tottenham Hotspur’s Guglielmo Vicario, but that deal is now reportedly on hold, leading to a reassessment of Inter’s goalkeeping targets. This shift in strategy has prompted the Nerazzurri to consider promoting Josep Martinez to the starting role, with Kepa viewed as an experienced deputy. Martinez, formerly of Genoa, has demonstrated reliability and confidence, earning opportunities to prove himself.
Kepa Arrizabalaga has enjoyed a remarkably successful, albeit often as a backup, career. The Spanish international has won two Champions League titles with Chelsea and Real Madrid, and is on the verge of potentially securing a third with Arsenal, where he currently serves as understudy to David Raya. He also boasts a Europa League title, a Club World Cup, a UEFA Super Cup, a Premier League title, a La Liga title, and a Spanish Super Cup. His extensive experience at the highest level of European football is a key factor in Inter’s interest.
Chelsea originally signed Kepa from Athletic Bilbao in 2018 for a reported fee of 80 million euros, a sum that placed considerable pressure on the young goalkeeper. While he struggled to consistently establish himself as a first-choice starter for Chelsea or Real Madrid, he has proven to be a dependable and valuable squad member. Should he win the Champions League with Arsenal, Kepa would become only the third player in history – after Clarence Seedorf and Samuel Eto’o – to win the competition with three different clubs. Inter CEO Beppe Marotta recently stated the club’s intention to balance youth with experienced foreign players, aligning with a potential move for Kepa. The transfer would provide Martinez with a seasoned presence to support his development as the team’s primary goalkeeper.
