With the focus largely on the attacking midfielder that Arsenal must pursue to resolve their creative woes, it’s easy to forget that there’s a problem on the other end that needs to be addressed as well.
The Gunners are on the hunt for a new goalkeeper during the January transfer window, with Alex Runarsson set to leave the club in order to gain more first-team experience.
While the number one spot is pretty secure in the hands of Bernd Leno, the lack of real competition could just as easily come back to hurt Arsenal after Emiliano Martinez was sold last summer.
It’s a tricky position to nail down, honestly. Signing someone with the intention of being a second fiddle immediately limits the scope of availability, and the rotation of goalkeepers has never had good fortunes. That being said, competition is high and the right fit for the job will keep Leno on his toes, but also accept that his role will mostly come at limited capacity.
Here’s who Arsenal could travel to before the transfer window closes.
Starting with the most improbable.
Sergio Romero would be a massive coup for Arsenal, while Manchester United are seeks to offload the Argentine who is now in surplus and out of contract this summer.
He was arguably the best substitute in the league when he was assistant to David de Gea. That’s the problem, however – his stock is too high for United to sell him to direct league rivals, so the Gunners are unlikely to be able to pull off a move.
Ugurcan Cakir could be a wise addition to Arsenal’s squad in the long run.
The 24-year-old is currently plying his trade with Trabzonspor and his performances helped them qualify for Europe in the 2019/20 season. He has been linked with a move to a number of top European teams, including Liverpool.
He sits in a similar category to Runarsson, however, as they are of the same age and lack experience at the highest level.
After selling Martinez to Aston Villa, veteran shot stopper Tom Heaton suddenly found himself playing second fiddle in the Midlands.
At 34, playing second violin at Arsenal would be hard to refuse. Heaton has a proven track record in the Premier League and is still capable of putting in a good performance; he would also be a practical player to have around young goalkeepers.
However, Villa will be aware of his abilities and how lucky they are to have him as a replacement. he could be difficult to pull it away.
The Crystal Palace shot stopper continues to impress and is out of contract this summer.
Palace also signed Jack Butland ahead of the current season, who could step in if they allow Guaita to leave earlier than expected. While he is not expected to become an unaged contract rebel, the potential to move to Arsenal could tempt him at the age of 34.
Capturing him with life left in him could support Arsenal for a season or two at least.
Barcelona’s second fiddler has actually played more games than he perhaps bargained for this season which put him in the spotlight a bit.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen has spent time being injured which means Neto, 31, has racked up nine appearances so far this season. Arsenal have been linked with a move before and while it may not be the cheapest option, they are in their prime and would massively increase their ranks.
The Spaniard is the latest in a series of talented players to dramatically develop their game at Brentford. And after Ollie Watkins and Said Benrahma secured their Premier League moves last summer, Raya may not be far behind.
The 25-year-old is considered Arsenal’s main target and has retained seven clean sheets in the league so far this season, although there are doubts about his availability in January. If they can afford it, Arsenal must act now.
Raya’s stock will only increase and if Brentford gets a promotion a move might be more difficult to facilitate in the summer.
