JUST IN: Arsenal first Summer signing confirmed today, player set to join soon on a 5yr deal – Agent was in LONDON yesterday to discuss on the salary structure
Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Feyenoord star Justin Bijlow this summer, as per the Dutch outlet De Telegraaf.
Despite enjoying a promising 2022/23 campaign, Aaron Ramsdale found himself on the periphery in the recently concluded season following the arrival of David Raya.
The Spaniard has enjoyed a promising debut season at the Emirates Stadium, winning the Golden Gloves in the Premier League. The goalkeeper joined the North London club on an initial loan deal but the move is likely to become permanent this summer.
So, it is expected that Raya will remain the first-choice goalkeeper for Arsenal and it doesn’t look likely that Ramsdale will stay to play as a second fiddle to the Spain international another season.
Therefore, the Englishman could leave the North London club at the end of this season and it appears that’s why Mikel Arteta’s side have started exploring the market to sign a new goalkeeper. A few shot-stoppers have been linked with a move to Arsenal in recent times with Andriy Lunin and Alvaro Valles being among them.
Bijlow to Arsenal
Now, according to the report by De Telegraaf(via Soccer News), Arsenal are interested in signing Bijlow as well and they could make a concrete approach this summer.
The report further claims that the Netherlands international is set to be available for a fee of around £11m so Arsenal could manage to secure his signature for an affordable price.
However, De Telegraaf states that Liverpool are also plotting a swoop for him so Arsenal are set to face tough competition from the Reds in getting any potential deal done for him.
With Arne Slot set to become the new Liverpool boss, Bijlow could opt to link up with his boss at Anfield should they formalise their interest and if that were to happen then it would be an issue for Arsenal to persuade the 26-year-old to move to the Emirates Stadium.
Bijlow, standing at 6ft 3in tall, is a good shot-stopper, strong aerially, can play out from the back and also has excellent reflexes. So, the Feyenoord star could be a shrewd signing for Arsenal to replace Ramsdale if they purchase him.
However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club eventually opt to make a concrete approach to sign the Netherlands international in the upcoming transfer window to reinforce their goalkeeping department.
