Arsenal need to add a goalkeeper to their ranks if Aaron Ramsdale departs as expected, and there are several different ways of approaching this signing.
Mikel Arteta can either find another goalkeeper who would genuinely challenge David Raya for a starting spot, but a similar problem to that faced by Ramsdale may again arise if he then wants to move away to play regularly elsewhere.
Justin Bijlow of Feyenoord has been linked given the similar aggressive approach he adopts to Raya, but within a year or two, Arsenal may find themselves in the market for a keeper again.
A young prospect could be targeted, with Diant Ramaj of Ajax linked, but without playing regularly, his development could stall.
A set number two a level below Raya could be an option, but in the event of an injury, Arteta will need a keeper he can rely on. Matt Turner playing a backup role to Ramsdale showed that perhaps more quality is needed.
The solution could come in a former teammate of Arteta’s, but despite recent links, this is not Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.
Shock Arsenal return for Lukasz Fabianski could be solution to Arteta problem
Arsenal could bring a former goalkeeper back as their number two, and Lukasz Fabianski could be a shock candidate for the role.
Fabianski is still going strong at 39, making 23 appearances across all competitions for West Ham this season, but is now playing a backup role for Alphonse Areola.
The former Poland International was a hit-and-miss figure during his time at Arsenal. Between 2007 and 2014 he made just 78 appearances in all competitions, but his reputation dramatically changed in his final season.
Arsenal faced a tense moment as Championship side Wigan took them to penalties in the FA Cup semi-final in 2014, but Fabianski made himself a hero as he saved two spot-kicks in the shootout, and the Gunners went on to end a nine-year trophy drought as they beat Hull City in the final.
Fabianski then moved to Swansea City on a free transfer, and the best was yet to come from him. He excelled with the Swans until they were relegated in 2018, and he then moved to West Ham.
He has since made 199 appearances for the Hammers, but with one year left on his deal and Areola set for even more game time, he could be tempted by a backup role at his old club.
Lukasz Fabianski may have unfinished business at Arsenal
Fabianski played a backup role to the younger Szczesny in his final years at Arsenal, but a dip in form in March 2013 saw him temporarily take his compatriot’s starting spot.
Arsene Wenger made some surprise changes to get his side back on track, with Fabianski and Laurent Koscielny coming in for unexpected starts against Bayern Munich in a Champions League knockout tie.
Arsenal won 2-0 at the Allianz Arena, with Fabianski keeping a clean sheet, and captain on the night Mikel Arteta then called for him to gain an extended run in the team over Szczesny.
“I would hope so,” Arteta replied when asked if Fabianski should keep his starting spot.
“He has done it against Bayern so why can’t he do it in the following games? He was terrific mentally as well. There was a lot of pressure on him.
“He came in and was fantastic, he dominated the box, made a great save as well in the second half. We are really happy with him because he has been working really hard.”
An injury then saw Szczesny return to the team, and Fabianski would then run down his contract as he knew his prospects of game time were limited.
10 years on from his departure, he could now return to provide experienced backup for Raya, whilst not pushing for a regular starting role, and if he is keen on trying to achieve more glory at the club which brought him to England in 2007, then there could be a lot gained for all parties in a return.