Arsenal have identified Feyenoord’s Justin Bijlow as their replacement for Aaron Ramsdale, according to LondonWorld reporter Chris Wheatley.
Speaking on the Chris Wheatley Show, the journalist said that the 26-year-old is the keeper that the Gunners are pursuing for the no.2 position:
“Justin Biljow, the Feyenoord goalkeeper, he is clearly the main priority in terms of a goalkeeper signing. He’s someone that they’ve scouted extensively and they do really like him. And he would certainly come in as a kind of number two to David Raya.”
The Dutchman will be at the European Championships with his country so a move may have to wait until after the tournament, but it seems Mikel Arteta’s side will make a formal approach for him, once Ramsdale’s future is resolved.
How much will Bijlow cost?
Reports in the Netherlands have suggested that Feyenoord may only hold out for a fee in the region of £10m for their no.1.
Considering Arsenal are having to be mindful of Financial Fair Play, bringing in Bijlow for such a low price could prove to be very beneficial in terms of balancing the books, as they are likely to sell Ramsdale for a much higher figure.
Will Arsenal have competition for the keeper?
Liverpool have also been mentioned as potential suitors for Bijlow, and that is not a coincidence considering his former manager Arne Slot is now in charge of the Reds.
However, the Merseyside club’s interest is dependent on them selling Caoimhin Kelleher first. The Republic of Ireland international has expressed a desire to leave Anfield but clubs may be put off by his reported £25m price tag.
That means Arsenal could have a head start in negotiations for Bijlow, as long as they can find a buyer for Ramsdale soon.
