Kepa Arrizabalaga has insisted that Arsenal will be fully prepared for the challenge of facing Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, as the Spanish goalkeeper gets set for an emotional reunion with his former club.
The draw sets up a high-stakes London derby, with added intrigue surrounding Kepa’s recent move across the capital after spending seven years at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal booked their place in the semi-finals following a dramatic quarter-final victory over Crystal Palace, a match that once again highlighted Kepa’s importance in cup competitions. After a tense 1–1 draw in normal time, the tie was decided by penalties, where Kepa emerged as the hero by making a crucial save to send the Gunners through. It was a moment that underlined his growing influence at the Emirates and reinforced Mikel Arteta’s trust in him on big occasions.
Speaking after the match, Kepa acknowledged the significance of the upcoming clash with Chelsea but was quick to shift the focus onto Arsenal’s ambitions rather than personal storylines. He admitted that facing his former side would naturally carry extra emotion, yet stressed that Arsenal’s priority is reaching the final and pushing for silverware. According to the goalkeeper, matches of this magnitude are exactly why players compete at the highest level.
Since joining Arsenal in the summer, Kepa has embraced a new role within the squad. While David Raya remains the club’s first-choice goalkeeper in the Premier League, Kepa has been given responsibility in domestic cup competitions, where his experience and composure have proved invaluable. His penalty-saving ability, often questioned earlier in his career, has become a defining strength during Arsenal’s cup run this season.
The semi-final tie also represents a symbolic moment in Kepa’s career. Once the world’s most expensive goalkeeper during his time at Chelsea, his spell in west London was marked by both major trophies and intense scrutiny. His move to Arsenal offered a fresh start, and the 29-year-old now appears revitalised, benefiting from a more stable environment and a clear tactical structure under Arteta.
From Arsenal’s perspective, the showdown with Chelsea is about far more than Kepa’s personal narrative. The Gunners see the Carabao Cup as a genuine opportunity to secure early silverware and reinforce their status as one of the strongest teams in domestic competitions. A two-legged semi-final against a familiar rival will test their squad depth, mentality, and ability to manage pressure.
Kepa, however, remains calm about what lies ahead. He has made it clear that Arsenal respect Chelsea’s quality but fear no opponent. With confidence high following their penalty shootout success and belief growing within the squad, the goalkeeper insists the team will approach the semi-finals with focus and determination.
As Arsenal and Chelsea prepare to renew their rivalry, all eyes will be on Kepa Arrizabalaga. Whether through decisive saves or leadership from the back, his role could yet prove pivotal as Arsenal chase a place at Wembley and another step toward lifting the Carabao Cup.
