Arsenal are reportedly keeping an eye on Brighton goalkeeper as a potential replacement for Aaron Ramsdale next season
Arsenal are reportedly considering a move to sign a new goalkeeper ahead of next season with Aaron Ramsdale likely to leave the club this summer.
Ramsdale, who has recently lost his starting position to David Raya, is expected to leave Arsenal during the summer transfer window. Consequently, the club has initiated a search for his replacement, with a preference for a homegrown talent to adhere to Premier League squad regulations.
According to The Standards, the Gunners have lined up three potential replacements, with former Gooner Wojciech Szczesny top of the list, Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele and Ajax goalkeeper Diant Ramaj also on the list.
Steele meets the criteria for being a homegrown player and currently shares the goalkeeper position with Bart Verbruggen under Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi. Despite making 21 appearances for Brighton this season, including 16 in the Premier League, Steele has faced competition from Verbruggen for the starting role, with De Zerbi appearing to favour the latter in recent games, hinting at a potential shift in preference for the upcoming season.
Recognising that a move to Arsenal could advance his career and offer opportunities to contend for trophies, Steele is mindful of the challenge of securing regular playing time in north London. In addition to the allure of joining Arsenal, Steele’s existing contract, which still has two years remaining, adds another layer of complexity to any potential transfer negotiations.
Another goalkeeper on the list is Szczesny, a product of the Arsenal academy, who enjoyed a successful spell at the club, making 181 appearances before departing for Juventus in 2017. Now 34 years old, the Polish goalkeeper is under consideration by Arsenal as a viable option for the goalkeeper position.
Juventus, in turn, are reportedly open to selling Szczesny as they negotiate a deal to sign Michele Di Gregorio from Monza. However, obstacles such as Szczesny’s substantial reported wages of £100,000 per week after tax and his current status as Juventus’ first-choice goalkeeper pose challenges to any potential deal.
In addition to Szczesny and Steele, Arsenal are said to be scouting Ajax goalkeeper Diant Ramaj, who possesses attributes that align with the club’s desired style of play. However, at 22 years old, Ramaj may be reluctant to join Arsenal if it means sacrificing regular playing time.
Arsenal are expected to support manager Mikel Arteta in the transfer market, with priorities including reinforcements in defence, midfield, and attack.
