Arsenal will now need to consider alternative goalkeeper targets in the summer transfer window after missing out on Wojciech Szczesny.
Arsenal have work to do in the goalkeeper department this summer.
Mikel Arteta will need to find a new backup option to cover for David Raya, as Aaron Ramsdale is almost certain to leave Arsenal this summer.
The Gunners were linked with a move for Wojciech Szczesny. Of course, the Poland international is a familiar face in North London, having made nearly 200 appearances for the Gunners earlier in his career, prior to joining Juventus.
Szczesny is a popular figure at the Emirates Stadium, but a reunion between the 34-year-old and the Arsenal fans now seems unlikely.
Szczesny is on the verge of joining Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, meaning Arteta will now have to look elsewhere for cover between the sticks.
Arsenal Insider writers have now had their say on which shot-stopper ought to brought in to take up this vacancy.
Three goalkeeper targets for Arsenal to consider to support David Raya
Justin Bijlow
Szczesny heading to Saudi Arabia is nothing short of disappointing given how perfect a fit he would have been as Ramsdale’s replacement. However, Arsenal could still make quite the splash in the market in terms of which goalkeeper could be signed, with Justin Bijlow my ideal pick.
The Feyenoord star is set to start between the sticks for the Netherlands this summer at the Euros, and with a reported asking price of just £6m, the 26-year-old could be the perfect no. 2 at Arsenal, with Bijlow a player who really could push David Raya for the starting spot between the sticks.
If Arsenal miss out on Bijlow with Liverpool also believed to be interested in the Dutch international, a real left-field option could be Wolves goalkeeper Daniel Bentley. The 30-year-old impressed at the Emirates Stadium earlier this season and would tick the homegrown quota Arsenal are desperate to fill, with a transfer fee likely to be cheap, as well. – Dylan Walsh.
Lukasz Fabianski
Szczesny would have been the ideal option given his previous experience in North London, his homegrown status and his quality, but we will unfortunately have to look elsewhere.
It is a tough signing to make with Raya as the number one. Signing someone of a similar quality would likely lead to another scenario where in 12 months, we are looking to sell and sign again, but a backup Mikel Arteta can rely on is necessary.
Another former goalkeeper Arteta can look to bring back to Arsenal is Lukasz Fabianski, given that the 39-year-old is falling further behind Alphonse Areola in the pecking order, but it remains unclear whether he or West Ham would be interested in a move.
Alvaro Valles from Las Palmas would be my pick if he is open to a move as a second choice. The 26-year-old was arguably the best goalkeeper in La Liga this season, and he is certain to move given his contract situation. The aforementioned problem of gametime could rear its head, but if he can be secured for a lower fee this summer, he could prove to be a profitable sale next year if he then pushes for a move. – Rahul Lakhani.
Jason Steele
Arsenal in part explored a return to north London for Wojciech Szczesny given Mikel Arteta’s likely need to replace Aaron Ramsdale to bolster their homegrown quota. So, his decision to move to Saudi Arabia could now see Arsenal turn to Jason Steele of Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Evening Standard has already cited Steele as one of the goalkeeper’s on Arsenal’s radar for this summer. He even has experience of playing beside David Raya from their spells with Blackburn Rovers. The 33-year-old Englishman is also used to competing to get his minutes.
Steele only played in 17 of Brighton’s Premier League matches in 2023/24 as he fought with Bart Verbruggen. Yet he kept two clean sheets during his longest run in the side lasting four games. Roberto De Zerbi also praised Steele’s intelligence whilst in charge at Amex Stadium. – Kyle Archer.