As the summer transfer window opens, Arsenal have some big and bold decisions to make over the signings and exits they facilitate in the weeks ahead.
Andrea Berta, who joined the Gunners as the sporting director earlier this year, will be in charge of how the funds will be spent and divided across the priority areas of the squad.
Arsenal want a striker and a winger as a matter of urgency over the summer transfer window, beyond the signing of Martin Zubimendi for £51 million from Real Sociedad, which is expected in the coming weeks.
Beyond them, though, is another position that needs to be strengthened, but may be an awkward one for the North London side to deal with.
It’s one that could force Arsenal to spend big on a player who won’t even feature all that much in the years ahead.
Arsenal will need a new backup goalkeeper after Neto exit
One position Arsenal will need to reluctantly look at is the goalkeeper department, with some changes needed there.
The shot-stopper ranks have been developing plenty over the years, with David Raya’s arrival at Arsenal ousting Aaron Ramsdale in the process.
With those changes in mind, Neto joined on loan from Bournemouth last season to play the role of backup goalkeeper for the season.
After making just one appearance, the experienced professional returns to the Cherries and is unlikely to return to the Gunners.
- READ MORE: Who is Neto? Meet the Arsenal goalkeeper transfer target linked as Aaron Ramsdale replacement
It leaves Arsenal light in the goalkeeper department, with David Raya needing some competition there for the season ahead.
That could come at quite the cost, though, if the club are wanting a long-term player to fill that position.
Arsenal were linked with Joan Garcia, for a fee worth roughly £20 million, though he now seems set to join Barcelona.
If Berta looks to continue down that route of young goalkeepers for the future, then any other deal may not be cheap.
That’s for a player who is unlikely to play much, with Raya the guaranteed number one as it stands.
Arsenal academy options could be the answer for the goalkeeper ranks
One way that Arsenal could save money on that position is to offer a promotion to their promising goalkeepers already at the club.
The Hale End academy is full of young talent, with that being no different for the shot-stoppers in the youth ranks.
Tommy Setford, Jack Porter, Alexei Rojas, Lucas Nygaard, Khari Ranson and Brian Okonkwo are among those currently plying their trade for the academy.
Those options are among the strongest available in the youth teams, with plenty of young options to call upon.
Any of those could find themselves with more game time next season, though it remains to be seen if they are ready, or if Arsenal want to go and grab that backup goalkeeper in the market.
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