One Arsenal transfer target is now close to finalising a move having almost agreed a contract with a new club.
Arsenal are now set to miss out on the chance to re-sign Wojciech Szczesny.
The Gunners will need to make additions to their goalkeeping department in the upcoming summer transfer window. Aaron Ramsdale is expected to leave Arsenal, meaning cover will have to be sought for David Raya.
Meanwhile, whilst Arsenal are trying to convince Karl Hein to sign a new contract, they could find themselves in need of another third-choice shot-stopper too should the Estonian depart the Emirates Stadium as a free agent.
Arsenal miss chance to bring Wojciech Szczesny home
Wojciech Szczesny was linked with a return to Arsenal. The Poland international is set to leave Juventus, and Arsenal were aware of the price tag that had been put on the player. However, Mikel Arteta seemingly opted against making a concerted push to secure the 34-year-old’s services.
The goalkeeper, who made almost 200 appearances appearances for the North London club in the earlier years of his career, is now on the brink of making a move to Saudi Arabia.
According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, reporting on X, Al Nassr are now in the “final stages” of agreeing a deal for Szczesny, with a “contract almost agreed” with the player.
Of course, it can’t be said for certain if Szczesny was ever open to a return to the Emirates Stadium in any case. He may well have been uncomfortable with the prospect playing second fiddle behind Raya in the pecking order. However, Szczesny is a popular figure with Arsenal fans, and would have been an exciting addition to the squad.
Mikel Arteta to pivot to other goalkeeper targets
He would have brought plenty of much-needed experience to the Gunners’ dressing room, too. Arsenal currently face having a lack of experience in their ranks, with senior figures such as Mohamed Elneny and Cedric Soares having left the club. Arteta may well seek to address this issue via the transfer market this summer.
Arsenal will also now have to pivot to alternative goalkeeper targets. Brighton and Hove Albion man Jason Steele has been linked with a switch to North London. He is excellent with the ball at his feet, making him an ideal tactical fit for the Gunners. He also has a pre-existing relationship with Raya, as the pair shared a dressing room in their time on the books at Blackburn Rovers.