Arsenal’s pursuit of a backup goalkeeper has hit a stumbling block after their opening bid for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Dan Bentley was rejected.
Aaron Ramsdale’s position at Arsenal is uncertain after he lost his place to David Raya last season.
The England goalkeeper joined Arsenal from Sheffield United in 2021 and has made 89 appearances in all competitions.
However, the 26-year-old made just six Premier League appearances, and 11 in all competitions last season.
Meanwhile, Ramsdale is contracted to Arsenal until 2026 after signing a new three-year deal last summer.
Mikel Arteta has made it clear that he sees Ramsdale as a key part of the team, stating earlier this year that the goalkeeper is at Arsenal because he is their player with a contract in place.
However, after receiving limited playtime, the England goalkeeper would prefer to focus on playing elsewhere in order to maximize his playing opportunities.
With Aaron Ramsdale potentially leaving the club, Arsenal’s boss Mikel Arteta is looking to strengthen his options behind David Raya.
Meanwhile, Dan Bentley, who has limited playing time at Wolves, has become a target for the Gunners.
However, Wolves swiftly rejected the initial offer of £50,000 from Arsenal for Bentley, who has been the number 2 to Jose Sa since joining the club from Bristol City in January 2023.
The Midlands club values Bentley much higher and are looking for a fee closer to his market value of around €2 million.
Dan Bentley has a rich history with Arsenal
Meanwhile, the 30-year-old Bentley has a history with the Gunners after beginning his youth career at Arsenal.
He spent seven years with the North London club before being released in 2008.
Bentley also has a connection to Arsenal’s current goalkeeper coach Inaki Cana, as both spent time together at Brentford.
Arsenal are looking to reshape their goalkeeping department this summer and had targeted Bentley as a potential backup option.
If an agreement is reached, Bentley could become Arsenal’s second goalkeeper signing of the summer, following the £30m deal to secure David Raya from Brentford.
The Gunners are also reportedly interested in signing Espanyol’s Joan Garcia, with Real Madrid also in the race for his signature.
Daniel Bentley’s career
Basildon-born goalkeeper, Daniel Bentley, has had a tumultuous journey through the ranks of English football since starting out at Arsenal at the age of eight.
After being released by the Gunners in 2008, Bentley found success at Southend where he became the club’s No.1 goalkeeper and made 160 appearances.
In 2016, Bentley made the move to Brentford where he continued to impress in the Championship for three seasons.
His stellar performances caught the eye of Bristol City, who signed him in 2019. After three and a half years at Ashton Gate, Bentley made the move to Wolves in 2022.
Since joining Wolves, Bentley has made seven appearances for the club and continues to showcase his talents between the sticks.
What’s next?
With Wolves turning down their initial offer, the Gunners now find themselves back at square one in their search for a reserve goalkeeper.
With time running out in the transfer window, Arsenal will need to decide on whether to return with an improved offer for Bentley or explore alternative options.
Meanwhile, Wolves will be hoping to retain Bentley as a valuable backup to Sa for the upcoming season.
