Arsenal are closing in on the permanent signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga, as the Gunners are prepared to bolster their goalkeeping ranks.
It’s been a problem for a while at the Emirates Stadium, with the revolving door of goalkeepers preventing there from being any consistency in available options.
David Raya is the number one option, having displaced Aaron Ramsdale and then playing ahead of loanee Neto.
With Kepa Arrizabalaga set for a medical in the coming week, his addition to the Arsenal ranks could only create problems for some other stars in the squad.
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Four Arsenal academy stars impacted by Kepa Arrizabalaga transfer
Arsenal’s move for Kepa Arrizabalaga will have an impact on the Hale End academy, who have several top goalkeeping options at their disposal.
There are four stars who are set to be impacted by it all, which could lead to some other moves.
Tommy Setford
Tommy Setford was signed from Ajax in 2024, joining on a four-year deal as he looks to progress at Arsenal.
The 19-year-old wasn’t a regular for the under-21s, but did feature several times in the senior squad.
Setford’s involvement with the England under-19s at the Euros showed he has some potential, but clearly needs some game time to improve further.
With Kepa’s arrival, those opportunities may only be restricted further in cup competitions.
Alexei Rojas
Alexei Rojas is a goalkeeper with a bright future ahead, having recently signed a professional contract with Arsenal.
The Colombian youth international could be set for a role as the third-choice shot-stopper this season, but it depends on the future of other goalkeepers.
Lucas Nygaard
Lucas Nygaard has featured regularly for the under-21s over the past season, with 12 appearances made across the campaign.
The Danish youth international then went on to feature in the under-19s European Championships, though he and his nation were knocked out at the group stage.
Jack Porter
Jack Porter made history for Arsenal as he became the youngest-ever player to start a game when he played in the Carabao Cup last season.
The goalkeeper has a bright future, but will need plenty more game time to gain the experience he needs to progress further.
Andrea Berta must find a loan for an Arsenal youth goalkeeper
With so many talented Arsenal goalkeepers on the books in the academy, Andrea Berta will be tasked with finding a way to get them minutes.
There will need to be a loan involved for someone to help get those minutes, with a lack of opportunities in the youth setup.
It could be the difference between helping them progress or stalling their future.
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