My first reaction is that a permanent transfer looks difficult unless one of those clubs is willing to make a surprisingly strong financial commitment.
A few reasons:
- Kepa Arrizabalaga only joined Arsenal in July 2025 on a three-year contract running until 2028. Arsenal paid his release clause and brought him in as experienced cover, so they are not under pressure to sell.
- Even though he has played very little league football for Arsenal, experienced goalkeepers retain value because injuries or fixture congestion can suddenly make a reliable backup essential.
- His reported market value of around €5 million is relatively modest, but transfer fees are only part of the equation. Wages are often the bigger obstacle. Kepa’s salary expectations could be challenging for clubs such as Como 1907, Getafe CF, Panathinaikos FC, or even Beşiktaş JK.
Looking at the clubs individually:
- Como might be the most intriguing sporting project. They have shown ambition in the transfer market and could potentially offer Kepa a starting role.
- Getafe would allow him to return to Spain, which could be attractive personally and professionally.
- Panathinaikos could offer European football depending on qualification status, but matching Arsenal-level wages may be difficult.
- Beşiktaş have historically signed experienced players from major leagues, so they shouldn’t be ruled out.
From Arsenal’s perspective, a loan with an option to buy feels more realistic than an immediate permanent sale, especially if the buying club wants help covering wages.
If I were advising Kepa purely from a football standpoint, I would prioritize a move where he is guaranteed to be the No. 1 goalkeeper. At 31, regular matches are probably more valuable than staying as a backup, particularly if he still has ambitions of returning to the Spanish national team after earning 13 caps.
The move that makes the most sporting sense to me is Como or Getafe. The move that seems most likely to overcome the financial hurdles is probably Beşiktaş, assuming they decide he’s worth the investment.
What interests me most is whether these are genuine negotiations or simply clubs asking Arsenal about the terms. Many transfer stories begin with inquiries that never progress once salary demands become clear.
