Jason Steele is growing as a realistic target for Arsenal at a time when the Gunners are likely to give up on the idea of bringing back Wojciech Szczesny.
Arsenal Goalkeeper Transfer News
Arsenal are waiting for full clarification on Szczesny’s position at Juventus, as they plot to sign a new goalkeeper, but the current feeling is that progress with the Poland international is unlikely.
The Gunners are on the hunt for a new David Raya deputy for next season, as Aaron Ramsdale is set to find a new club this summer.
Szczesny left Arsenal in 2017 but has been tentatively pushed for a return to the club, with his contract at Juventus running out in 2025.
Sources in Italy believe the keeper is still interested in remaining at Juventus, where he has been the club’s No.1 all season.
Arsenal have shown interest in the prospect of resigning him, however, they are likely to move on from the Polish international unless they get a very clear indication that he is in the frame, and that he would be a good fit for what they are looking for financially.
A more realistic prospect could now be 33-year-old Steele, the Brighton back-up goalkeeper, who has also been linked.
Sources have confirmed that there is real interest from the Gunners and it could be more feasible than Szczesny, especially as Steele would be interested in the switch.
Arsenal are having to clearly consider the status of potential signings for this summer. Ramsdale, Emile Smith-Rowe, Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson could all leave the club after this season and all four players are listed as homegrown.
Premier League rules specify that 25-man squad lists must not contain more than 17 players who are not of homegrown criteria.
The current definition of such is to have been registered with any club in England or Wales for a period of three seasons before the age of 21 and Ramsdale, Smith-Rowe, Nketiah and Nelson come into the bracket for the current season.
Szczesny and Steele are both players that would come under the homegrown category so fit the bill. If neither deal comes through it is clear that Arsenal are looking to sign a keeper who was brought up in the home system, rather than a new option from abroad.
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