Arsenal are in the market for players in several positions this summer, with the expectation that a number of first-teamers could depart.
One player who looks likely to make a big exit is goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who has lost his place to David Raya.
The 25-year-old will be aiming to join a club where he can play regularly, but Arsenal are likely to demand a big fee for him given his status as an England International on a long-term contract.
Should Ramsdale leave, he would need to be replaced by a goalkeeper who can provide strong competition for Raya, but who may have to accept a place on the bench.
This could come in the form of Las Palmas goalkeeper Alvaro Valles, who is set to leave his club with just one year remaining on his contract, and Arsenal are reportedly interested in him.
READ MORE: How much Arsenal paid to sign every first-team player in the transfer market
Arsenal target Alvaro Valles opens up on future plans
Speaking to udlaspalmas.NET, Valles admitted that he would be open to leaving Spain to move to England.
“Here I am very well, if you have to try it one day I won’t tell you no, they’re experiences, this is my first away experience that I’ve been home for six years and if any new experience comes when I have to come, welcome be,” he replied when asked if he would be open to a move to England.
Why do Arsenal want Alvaro Valles to replace Aaron Ramsdale?
Ramsdale is likely to fetch a healthy profit on the £24m Arsenal spent on him in 2021, and will want to play regular football.
Valles has been one of the best goalkeepers in La Liga this season. Las Palmas have conceded the 11th-most goals in the division, with 39 in 32 games, but this does not tell the whole story.
The 26-year-old is outstanding at shot-stopping, recording the third-best post-shot expected goals totals in La Liga, which measures his ability to block shots compared to average goalkeepers.
Valles has impressed in big games. Whilst he was recently sent off against Barcelona, an earlier fixture against Real Madrid this season saw him impressively fare against a dominant side who recorded nine shots on target.
The Spaniard would fit Mikel Arteta’s ideal goalkeeping style. Valles records the furthest average distance from his goal out of any La Liga goalkeeper, with his defensive actions typically coming 18.2 yards from his goal as per FBref.
Arsenal could use this as an opportunity to upgrade on Ramsdale, whilst also making a profit, but it remains to be seen whether Valles would settle for a place on the bench, given the other interest in him from elsewhere.