Arsenal now ‘close’ to signing star who Jose Mourinho praised for showing so much ‘personality’

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Arsenal are making quick moves in the transfer window this summer and new sporting director Andrea Berta is already trying to show his worth.

In the past, Arsenal have been rightfully criticised for leaving a lot of their business until the end of the transfer window, a club who were often busy on deadline day under Edu Gaspar.

However, the Gunners seem determined to act early this time around, and whilst Arsenal decide between Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres, it seems as if another deal has progressed quickly in the background.

After TBR Football shared news of Arsenal’s interest in Kepa Arrizabalaga, a deal has now progressed significantly.

Arsenal have often bought players from Chelsea since Mikel Arteta arrived at the Emirates Stadium, the likes of Willian, David Luiz and Kai Havertz to name a few, a tactic that has yielded mixed success in the past.

Arsenal close to recruiting Kepa Arrizabalaga as first summer signing

That being said, The Athletic are now reporting that Arsenal are ‘close’ to signing Kepa for £5m from Chelsea, who is happy to initially come in as David Raya’s number two.

Of course, 30-year-old Kepa just made 35 appearances on loan for Bournemouth from Chelsea last season, a seriously impressive season under Andoni Iraola.

READ MORE: Arsenal might have just changed their Ethan Nwaneri plan after £60m transfer decision

And from the outside looking in, it would appear as if Arsenal are on the verge of securing a superb deal.

Arsenal wanted Joan Garcia from Espanyol but it appears as if the youngster could be Barcelona bound to compete for the number one spot at the Nou Camp.

And as far as alternatives go, Kepa looks like an excellent option, a player with two Champions League medals and a lot of experience.

In fact, former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho might have already explained himself why Arsenal are securing an excellent move.

Jose Mourinho praised Kepa’s ‘personality’ after controversial incident

Speaking back in 2019 to DAZN, Mourinho commented on a famous incident when Kepa refused to be subbed off under Chelsea manager Mauricio Sarri in the Carabao Cup final.

Sarri wanted to replace Kepa with Willy Caballero for the penalty shoot-out at Wembley, but the Spaniard refused to come off.

And whilst Chelsea lost the ensuing penalty shoot-out, Mourinho was still impressed with Kepa’s ‘personality’, even if he did criticise him somewhat too.

Mourinho said: “The goalkeeper wants to show his personality, his confidence, wants to show that he is there and wants to be at the shootout and make saves — and I like that.

“I don’t like that he leaves his coach and the assistant coach in a situation of great fragility.”

An excellent signing for Arsenal, and a huge upgrade on Neto who will return to Bournemouth after his loan.