SUMMARY
- David Raya's Arsenal future depends on whether the Gunners decide to trigger the buy option or not.
- Amid that, Arsenal is reportedly looking at another Premier League proven keeper.
With the 2023-24 season nearing its end, Arsenal stands at a rather tricky place. On one hand, the hopes of ending their 20-year-long wait for the Premier League title dangles in front of the club fans. On the other hand, if Manchester City does win the league, Arsenal will have to endure yet another trophyless season. However, preparations for the upcoming season have already reportedly started taking place.
According to reports, Arsenal’s head coach Mikel Arteta is planning on reshuffling his squad ahead of the 2024-25 season. The London-based club was one of the heavy spenders last season, spending a whopping $250 million on the likes of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber. Arteta also brought in the Spanish goalkeeper David Raya on loan from Brentford.
🚨 Arsenal are considering making a move in the summer transfer window for Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
(Source: @TEAMtalk) pic.twitter.com/aglYfkWUhX
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) May 10, 2024
However, Arteta is reportedly planning on bringing yet another goalkeeper, Everton’s Jordan Pickford. Pickford, who joined Everton back in 2017, is currently valued at $23.7 million, as reported by Transfermarkt. The 30-year-old England international is also reportedly being sought after by Arsenal’s city rivals, Chelsea. Pickford would be a great addition to Arsenal’s squad, considering their second-choice goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is looking for an exit.
🧤 Arsenal GK David Raya has won the 2023/24 Premier League Golden Glove award. 🥇
Excellent signing last summer, strongly wanted by Edu, Mikel Arteta and his staff. pic.twitter.com/8v4kI6cUVu
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 3, 2024
Moreover, Raya‘s move isn’t permanent yet, albeit Arsenal has the option to buy him for $33.8 million. Both Raya and Pickford have been battling it out for the Premier League‘s Golden Glove title, with the Spanish star winning it with 15 clean sheets compared to 12. However, it appears as if even winning the Golden Glove isn’t enough for Raya to guarantee his future at the club.
Arsenal plans on bringing back their former star goalkeeper
Besides Jordan Pickford, there are also rumors of Arsenal planning to bring back their former goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny. The Polish goalkeeper spent eight years at the London-based club between 2009 to 2017. Currently, Szczesny is playing at the Italian club Juventus since 2017. Either Szczesny or Pickford might be brought in by Arsenal as a replacement for Aaron Ramsdale.
🚨 Arsenal are considering a move to bring back Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny to replace Aaron Ramsdale.
(Source: Evening Standard) pic.twitter.com/TtWn7dlcjg
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) May 9, 2024
After David Raya’s arrival, Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper Ramsdale has slipped down in the pecking order. Bringing in the 34-year-old Szczesny could be a great signing for Arteta’s side, considering the Juventus star’s experience. However, reaching an agreement with the Polish international could prove to be difficult for Mikel Arteta’s club as Szczesny might not agree to play second-fiddle to David Raya.
Arsenal’s sporting director eyes four transfer targets ahead of 2024-25 season
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s sporting director Edu Gaspar has reportedly set his sights on four transfer targets that the Gunners would try to sign in the upcoming summer transfer window. As per reports, the club has prioritized the signing of a defender, a midfielder, a forward, and a goalkeeper. While the potential targets for the goalkeeper position have already been mentioned, let’s take a look at the remaining three targets.
🚨🚨| Alexander Isak is at the TOP of Arsenal’s list of striker targets for the summer, as Mikel Arteta is now intent on buying the forward that will complete his team.
[@MiguelDelaney] pic.twitter.com/WJUDzLbI5J
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) May 3, 2024
According to reports from The Standard, the Gunners has targeted Newcastle United duo Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak. Although, there are some other big clubs who are keeping an eye on the Newcastle pair, with FC Barcelona reportedly eyeing Isak. Lastly, there are also talks of Arsenal trying to sign Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, Ajax’s Jorrel Hato, and Nottingham Forest’s Murillo.