Arsenal: 2 new goalkeeper targets amid Aaron Ramsdale links

There are reasons for Arsenal fans to be excited this summer transfer window, although almost all of those centre around the ‘prospect’ of this and that player joining the club.

Almost a month on and Mikel Arteta has yet to officially conclude a deal for anyone. This window doesn’t close until August 31 and there are two major international football tournaments ongoing, but it’s still starting to feel like a lot to cram in to the rest of the summer.

Of course, three deals are mostly concluded already; Nuno Tavares is in London isolating and ready to film his announcement videos; Albert Sambi Lokonga hasn’t arrived for Anderlecht pre-season training; Ben White will be completed once England return from the European Championships.

Who else may come in to bolster the areas in need of reinforcing could get the toes tingling, though. That said, plenty of the biggest names in question won’t make their way to the Emirates and another Arsenal deadline day nail-biter could be on show, which is absolutely not ideal.

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Arsenal: 2 new goalkeeper targets amid Aaron Ramsdale links as Gunners prepare offer to Sheffield United

Pre-season training has already begun with the opening game of the warm-up matches coming on July 13. Whoever does arrive this summer preferably plays as much part as they can during these sessions.

The goalkeeping department is also set for change. Alex Runarsson is leaving for Turkey, Arthur Okonkwo is closing in on a new deal, Karl Hein won’t pen fresh terms and Bernd Leno is due for a belated break due to his involvement with Germany.

For the start of pre-season, Arsenal won’t have a senior goalkeeper.

Aaron Ramsdale is the name all outlets are talking about with the Gunners due to make a formal offer to Sheffield United once he returns from England duty. If they were really that keen then surely they needn’t wait until after the third choice stopper returns from international duty? The deal for White was close to sewn up with him still at St. George’s Park.

In any case, the Blades are wanting upwards of £35m. Sure, Arsenal need a new backup goalkeeper if Leno stays, but £35m? That’s silly money, although credit to Sheffield United if they do hold firm as they appear to be doing for Sander Berge.

With Arsenal drawing up a list of alternatives in the case of Ramsdale proving too expensive, a couple of names have been in the papers. Neither are exactly setting the world alight, either.

Continued…