Mikel Arteta reveals one Arsenal player confirmed to face Port Vale

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that several fringe players will be given opportunities in tomorrow’s Carabao Cup clash, with one player confirmed to have been given the nod.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Kepa Arrizabalaga will start in goal when the Gunners travel to face Port Vale in the third round of the Carabao Cup this evening. Speaking ahead of the match, Arteta revealed his plans to give minutes to several players who have been patiently waiting for opportunities this season.

The Spanish goalkeeper joined Arsenal from Chelsea in July 2025 for £5 million, but has found himself firmly established as second choice behind David Raya. Kepa spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Bournemouth, where he made 31 Premier League appearances and helped the Cherries finish ninth in the table.

Since his arrival at the Emirates Stadium, the 30-year-old has had to wait patiently for his chance. Raya has been Arsenal’s undisputed number one, starting all 38 Premier League matches last season and recently making his 100th appearance for the club against Nottingham Forest. The Spanish international has won back-to-back Golden Glove awards, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s finest goalkeepers.

Arsenal travel to Vale Park for the first time since winning a penalty shootout against the Valiants on their way to winning the FA Cup back in 1998. This time, the sides meet after Port Vale’s impressive run to reach the third round with victories over Blackpool and Birmingham City.

The former Chelsea goalkeeper brings vast experience, having won the Champions League, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge. His recent stint at Bournemouth proved he remains a capable Premier League goalkeeper.

Arsenal are looking to win the League Cup for the first time since 1993, having only lifted the trophy twice in their history following successes in 1987 and 1993. The competition has proven elusive for the north London club, despite reaching multiple finals and semi-finals in recent decades.