Arsenal now ‘exploring deal’ for goalkeeper alongside Joan Garcia, he is Arteta’s ‘preferred’ signing

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Arsenal still have plenty of work to do in the goalkeeping department, and could end up signing two more players in the position.

Aaron Ramsdale looks set to leave amid links with Southampton, and if the England International does depart, Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia has agreed personal terms as his replacement.

The La Liga side are holding out for Garcia’s full release clause of over £25m, which represents a stumbling block in any deal to sign him, but Ramsdale would need replacing with a goalkeeper who can provide strong cover for David Raya.

Karl Hein has joined Real Valladolid on loan, and Arsenal are in the market for a third-choice goalkeeper, who would ideally be homegrown.

An emotional return for Wojciech Szczesny is out of the question, as the former Arsenal goalkeeper announced his shock retirement, whilst the club also had a bid for former academy star Dan Bentley rejected. However, there is now a new target.

• READ MORE: Every player linked to and from Arsenal in the summer 2024 transfer window

Arsenal interested in Wigan goalkeeper Sam Tickle

The Athletic have now reported that Arsenal are interested in a move for Wigan goalkeeper Sam Tickle.

The 22-year-old played in every single League One game last season, and is his side’s first-choice option between the posts.

Arsenal are said to be “exploring a deal” to sign him before Friday’s transfer deadline, but this will not affect anything to do with Ramsdale or Garcia’s potential moves.

Tickle is being targeted as a third-choice keeper option, with the role currently falling to academy signing Tommy Setford.

A move for Bentley is still being explored, and Tickle is said to be Mikel Arteta’s “preferred” option.

Arsenal face problem over Sam Tickle interest

Tickle is a very promising goalkeeper in League One, and could be perfectly suited to Arteta’s style, given that he excels at short passing in a system which sees him play out of the back at Wigan.

However, Tickle has made extraordinary strides in his career over the last year, and is playing regularly. It is unclear whether he would be prepared to give this up to become a third-choice option who may not play at all.

Tickle now faces a dilemma over whether he wants to continue his development, or jump up two divisions to earn an emergency backup role, and if he prefers to keep playing regularly, Arsenal may face frustration when trying to sign him.