Arsenal may enter the market for a goalkeeper if Aaron Ramsdale leaves this summer, and have now been linked with a shock move for Andriy Lunin.
Lunin is Real Madrid’s second-choice goalkeeper behind Thibaut Courtois, but the Belgian has been sidelined all season.
The Ukrainian has been outstanding in his absence, surpassing summer signing Kepa Arrizabalaga in the pecking order, and helping Real Madrid to the top of La Liga and the Champions League quarter-finals.
Ramsdale looks set to depart Arsenal after falling behind David Raya in the pecking order at the Emirates, and Mikel Arteta would need to replace him if he does go.
Arsenal linked with Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin
A report from Spanish outlet Defensa Central has now revealed that Arsenal are keeping an eye on the the 25-year-old with a view to a summer move.
Lunin has just over a year remaining on his contract at Real Madrid, but Los Blancos are attempting to tie him down to a new deal.
They have been impressed with his performances this season, but Arsenal are reportedly willing to double the salary he receives at Real Madrid to convince him to come to the Emirates this summer.
Arsenal move for Andriy Lunin unlikely
12 months ago, Lunin was on the verge of exiting Real Madrid, and a move to Arsenal to be the backup goalkeeper may have been plausible.
However, his sensational performances this season mean that he either has a future at Real Madrid whilst Courtois struggles with injuries, or will move elsewhere to be the number one option.
Lunin was described as a “complete goalkeeper” by Leipzig star Peter Gulacsi prior to their meeting in the Champions League, and his performances this season across all competitions have been excellent.
With David Raya now Arteta’s number one, it seems unlikely that he will want to replace the Spain star, and Lunin would face a similar problem to Ramsdale, that he is too good to be left on the bench.
This therefore means that even if Real Madrid accept an offer for Lunin, the player may not be willing to trade the bench at the Santiago Bernabeu for the one at the Emirates, and would instead move to a club where he could be the starting option.