According to The Athletic journalist Mario Cortegana, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has decided to start Kepa Arrizabalaga in the final against Manchester City, despite the Spaniard typically serving as backup to first-choice goalkeeper David Raya.
Arteta had declined to publicly confirm his selection in pre-match comments, stating only that a decision had already been made. However, sources close to the club indicate the 31-year-old Kepa will retain his place, having featured regularly in Arsenal’s League Cup campaign.
Manchester City are taking a similar approach. Manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that James Trafford will start ahead of regular first-choice option Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Both Donnarumma and Raya have been among the Premier League’s standout goalkeepers this season, particularly in terms of clean sheets. Nevertheless, they are set to begin the final on the bench as their respective managers prioritise continuity within their cup squads.
Kepa has made nine appearances for Arsenal this season, recording clean sheets against lower-league opposition as well as Premier League sides, and notably saving a decisive penalty in the quarter-final victory over Crystal Palace.
While Arteta is known for keeping team news tightly controlled, the goalkeeper position now appears settled for both sides ahead of Sunday’s final, with official line-ups to be confirmed shortly before kick-off.