Kepa Arrizabalaga is Arsenal’s second-choice goalkeeper, but recent performances have raised further questions about whether he can be relied upon if David Raya is unavailable during the season.
Raya is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in world football, and his excellent form played an important role in Arsenal winning the league last term and reaching the Champions League final. His consistency has provided the Gunners with a strong foundation in both domestic and European competitions.
Concerns grow over Kepa
There is a belief that Arsenal would have found it far more difficult to enjoy the same level of success had Kepa been the first-choice goalkeeper throughout those campaigns. His latest display has only increased concerns about his ability to provide dependable cover when required.
Against Real Betis, Kepa was considered to be at fault for almost all of the goals conceded. According to Football Insider, Arsenal supporters now want the Spaniard to leave the club, with some even suggesting it would be remarkable if the Gunners were able to receive a transfer fee for him.
Arsenal face a goalkeeping decision
The report highlights growing doubts over Kepa’s future at the Emirates, particularly if his performances continue to fall below expectations. Arsenal will want a dependable deputy for Raya, especially with another demanding campaign ahead in several competitions.
If Illan Meslier demonstrates that he is a more assured presence in goal, Mikel Arteta could favour the French goalkeeper ahead of Kepa during the upcoming season. Competition for places will be important, but consistency and reliability are likely to be the deciding factors.
Kepa has developed a reputation for being prone to costly errors during his career, and that was one of the reasons he eventually lost his place at Chelsea before leaving the club. Arsenal must now decide whether to continue with him as their second-choice goalkeeper or consider selling him if they believe a more reliable option is available.
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He’s flawed, so is Meisler. They both are high risk if they play in an important game. I don’t understand the Goal Keeper strategy. When Raya was brought in Arteta said two players for every position, neither of these players are competing with Raya.
JBG,
I wonder if the laws allow for them to be played in goal together. 😂
Doesn’t help if they are both flapping fresh air 😀
I think there’s a confidence issue now from both player and club.
Meslier looked a better stopper than him at the moment in the Betis match and that says a lot.
If we do end up keeping him he may drop to 3rd choice.
Kepa simply not good enough.
Jose Sa of Wolves and Portugal.
I think his best days are behind him. He can still do well by rediscovering form by moving to Netherlands league or Italy, but he’s not fit to be 2nd choice.
I don’t think any of Rayas back up keepers are quite up to the standard we require.
We need to look for more consistent safer keepers now!
Sell them both
Which top keeper in the world will be happy to number 2 to Raya ? I very much doubt there is one.
Still do not know why we sold Karl Hein. He is superior to Kepa and Meslier.