Arsenal appear to have missed out on one of their primary summer transfer targets, with Joan Garcia now expected to join Barcelona.
The Gunners are eager to sign a new back-up goalkeeper this summer, with Norberto Neto returning to Bournemouth after his season-long loan.
Garcia had been identified as the first-choice target, although Espanyol are said to be demanding around £20 million for the shot-stopper.
Journalist Carlos Monfort reports that Arsenal aren’t willing to stump up this fee for a David Raya deputy, and have officially pulled out of the race to sign the 23-year-old.
Garcia has reportedly reached an agreement with Barcelona over a move anyway, meaning the North Londoners will have to source a number two goalkeeper from elsewhere.
Mikel Arteta may turn to the academy to fill this role in his squad, with this potential ploy a cost-effective solution to the issue, which would subsequently allow Arsenal to invest more heavily in other areas.
With that said, here are three academy goalkeepers Arteta could promote to the number two position in between the sticks.
Three Arsenal Academy goalkeepers who could be promoted
Karl Hein
With a year under his belt as the first choice for a side in one of Europe’s top five leagues, Karl Hein should have the requisite experience to fulfil a back-up role at Arsenal.
The Estonian spent the duration of the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Real Valladolid, making 31 La Liga appearances and letting in 68 goals in the process.
Hein conceded a hat-trick to Kylian Mbappe earlier this year, and Valladolid ultimately finished rock bottom of the Spanish top flight.
Regardless, the 23-year-old still managed to keep five clean sheets, impressing with his overall maturity and ability on the ball.
While he’s certainly ready for the step-up at Arsenal, it’s merely a question of whether he’s willing to accept being a number two when he could be the main man elsewhere.
Tommy Setford
Tommy Setford was officially promoted to the Arsenal first team in May and is expected to play a role for the senior side next season.
The 19-year-old is highly thought of at Hale End, and made his senior debut back in November in a League Cup tie against Preston.
Exceptional with his feet and agile when getting down to save shots, Setford has all the attributes you’d hope for in a modern goalkeeper.
Promoting him straight to number two would be a show of faith from Arteta, but it’s perhaps the step-up he needs to continue his development.
Alexei Rojas
Like Setford, Alexei Rojas was also promoted to the first team in the 2024/25 season.
The academy graduate has been on Arsenal’s books since he was 13, and is another who has many admirers at the North London club.
With the Garcia deal falling through, the Gunners may opt to cash in on Hein and let Rojas and Setford battle it out for the role of Raya’s deputy.
Both still very young, this ploy would be risky, although it would send a message to the rest of Hale End that Arteta is more than willing to invest in youth if they demonstrate they’re ready to play senior football.
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