Arsenal have been strongly linked with a move for Wolves goalkeeper Dan Bentley, as someone who can bolster the goalkeeping roster.
David Raya recently had his permanent move confirmed, which is likely to lead to Aaron Ramsdale’s departure this summer.
Arsenal will need to replace Ramsdale with a backup option, and Espanyol star Joan Garcia is among Mikel Arteta’s top targets.
Third-choice option Karl Hein has signed a new contract, but is expected to go out on loan, and he will also need replacing. Arsenal are now interested in Wolves backup goalkeeper Dan Bentley for this role, and will aim to bring the former Gunner, who departed the Emirates in 2008, back to the club.
Despite his previous time at Arsenal, Bentley is a player whom Arteta may not have known too much about, until one game last season.
Dan Bentley impressed in Arsenal victory over Wolves last season
Arsenal beat Wolves 2-1 in December 2023 to move to the top of the Premier League, and raced into the lead with goals from Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.
Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa was powerless to prevent either goal, and he picked up an injury in the 23rd minute which meant that he could not continue, with Arsenal peppering his goal to try and add a third.
Bentley came on for his Premier League debut, which ironically came at the Emirates having been released from Arsenal in 2008, and he gave a great account of himself.
The 30-year-old made several outstanding saves from Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard to keep his side in the game, but his passing also caught the eye, as he looked assured on the ball when distributing it both short and long.
He made three saves, whilst completing six long balls and also looked confident when sweeping at the edge of his box.
Dan Bentley showed he could fit Arteta system in Wolves defeat to Arsenal
Wolves pulled a goal back late on through Matheus Cunha despite Arsenal’s onslaught, and the game ended 2-1, with the hosts unable to add a third goal after Bentley came on.
Wolves manager Gary O’Neil praised Bentley for his performance after his debut in the competition.
“A big mention for Bents as well because I thought he was excellent when he came on and made some important saves as well,” he stated after the game.
“It’s not easy as a number two goalkeeper because you don’t play that often and when you do, you need to be ready to perform at the top level, so I was really pleased with him because I thought he played well.”
This shows why Bentley would be a perfect third option for Arteta. He would bring experience from the lower leagues, and has shown that when he needs to step in during an emergency, he is capable of delivering a top-level performance with no preparation.
His passing and sweeping would have caught Arteta’s eye, with his chipped balls to the Wolves fullbacks surprisingly strong, and this performance at the Emirates showed that should he be required, he can replicate Raya’s style of play between the posts.
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