UMVA has learned that Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga faces an uncertain wait to discover if he'll receive a Premier League winners' medal this weekend.
The Gunners' 22-year drought for a league title ended on Tuesday night, as they were crowned champions with a game to spare. Manchester City's 1-1 draw against Bournemouth sent the trophy to north London, sparking jubilation among the Arsenal squad and staff.
Although the team celebrated with a cardboard cutout of the trophy, they'll get their hands on the real thing after their final game of the season against Crystal Palace on Sunday. The official inauguration will take place at Selhurst Park, where club captain Martin Odegaard will be presented with the trophy.
Medals will be distributed to players who made at least five league appearances this season, a criteria Kepa doesn't meet. The former Chelsea goalkeeper started 11 cup games but didn't appear in any league matches, serving as understudy to David Raya.
Arsenal will receive 40 medals, with the Premier League Handbook stipulating that medals will be presented to the manager, players, and officials. Additional medals can be awarded with the Board's consent if the total number of players meeting the criteria exceeds 39.
Arsenal currently has 24 players who've made more than five appearances, leaving 16 medals available for distribution. The club may seek consent to award Kepa a medal, while players like Christian Norgaard and Ethan Nwaneri will be eligible due to their limited but qualifying appearances.
The team's celebration continued at the training ground, with players and staff marking their historic achievement. As the team basks in the glory of their title win, the focus now shifts to the medal ceremony and the possibility of Kepa receiving a special exemption.
