Arsenal are reportedly planning a significant overhaul of their goalkeeping department this summer, targeting the acquisition of three new first-team goalkeepers, along with multiple additions at the academy level.
According to James McNicholas of The Athletic, the Gunners aim to complete the signing of three goalkeepers during this transfer window. The goalkeeping position, traditionally associated with stability, has seen frequent changes at Arsenal, prompting this aggressive approach.
One key target is Wolverhampton Wanderers’ 30-year-old Dan Bentley. With Arsenal set to tour the United States in just over a week, the club faces the possibility of traveling without an experienced goalkeeper.
Last summer, Arsenal signed David Raya from Brentford on an initial £3 million loan, with a £27 million permanent clause recently exercised. Despite Aaron Ramsdale signing a new contract in May 2023, the opportunity to secure Raya, a long-term target and protégé of goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana, was too good to pass up.
Cana, who joined Arsenal in late 2019, has been instrumental in reshaping the club’s goalkeeping roster. Under his guidance, Arsenal have signed Alex Runarsson, Ramsdale, Matt Turner, and Raya for a combined total of nearly £70 million, while Emiliano Martinez, Matt Macey, Bernd Leno, Turner, and Runarsson have all departed.
With Raya now permanently part of the squad, Ramsdale’s future at Arsenal is uncertain. While the club hopes to recoup the £30 million paid for him, few European clubs can meet these financial demands. Arsenal remain firm on their price and are unwilling to consider loan deals unless the market shifts significantly.
Should Ramsdale leave, 23-year-old Spaniard Joan Garcia has been identified as his replacement. Garcia, who played 16 games for Espanyol in Spain’s second tier last season, keeping 10 clean sheets, is viewed as a suitable deputy for Raya. Though his buyout clause rose to €25 million following Espanyol’s promotion, Arsenal believe they can secure him for below €15 million.
