Arsenal have forced Wolves to launch internal talks at Molineux after submitting an offer to seal the transfer of Dan Bentley, with the Old Gold’s true feelings now clear.
The Gunners have identified the 31-year-old as a worthy target this summer as Mikel Arteta looks for a new goalkeeper. Arsenal ideally intend to sign a homegrown player to be a back-up for David Raya amid ongoing doubts engulfing Aaron Ramsdale’s future in north London.
Arsenal secured Raya’s permanent transfer from Brentford earlier in July following a year on loan at Emirates Stadium. The Euro 2024 winner quickly displaced Ramsdale as the No1 last September and Arteta saw the 28-year-old go on to win the Premier League’s Golden Glove.
Wolves meet Dan Bentley to discuss extending his contract after Arsenal’s bid
Bentley now stands out to Arsenal in Arteta’s search for a back-up goalkeeper after he spent last term as Wolves’ No2. The Basildon-born shot-stopper only played five top-flight fixtures and started in just three of a potential 38 games as he provided cover for Jose Sa all season.
But Ben Jacobs now reports that Arsenal will have to return with a significantly greater offer than the £50k bid Wolves have already rejected for Bentley’s transfer. The Old Gold are also ‘quite calm’ about his situation and still harbour intentions to keep the stopper at Molineux.
READ MORE: Arsenal 24/25 confirmed signings, transfers in and out, loan exits and releases
Wolves are relaxed about Arsenal’s interest in Bentley as while his contract currently expires in June 2025, the Black Country club have an option to extend that deal to 2027. Wolves are also holding internal talks with Bentley about the clause to tack on two years to his contract.
Arsenal only offered 5% of what Wolves want to sanction a transfer
Bentley could end all speculation linking the player with a transfer to Arsenal by agreeing to extend his contract with Wolves. The Old Gold may also use the clause to demand a greater fee from the Gunners if Arteta is to welcome the Englishman to N5 to be Raya’s understudy.
Wolves are already demanding £1m to sell Bentley to Arsenal, who only bid five per cent of that asking price. Yet Gunners sporting director Edu improving their offer could see Bentley reunite with Raya having also been teammates for Blackburn Rovers earlier in their careers.
Arsenal, though, seemingly do not feel Bentley is worth anywhere near what Wolves want for his transfer. So, Arteta and Edu will also now need to react to the Old Gold’s internal talks by having their own discussions at London Colney to decide if Arsenal should increase the bid.
In this week’s episode of The Arsenal Insider Podcast, Will Jones and Rahul Lakhani debated England’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain. With Spain stars Nico Williams, Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino linked with Arsenal, Mikel Arteta’s midfield for next season was discussed.
There was also an update on Arsenal’s interest in Riccardo Calafiori, along with a debate on what roles academy starlets Ethan Nwaneri and Chido Obi-Martin could play in pre-season.
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