Arsenal have targeted Aston Villa goalkeeper Oliwier Zych ahead of the next transfer window, according to The Telegraph reporter Mike McGrath.
The journalist, who is usually reliable when it comes to transfers, claims that the Gunners could discuss a contract with the Poland Under 21 international in the New Year.
Fans on X have been left scratching their heads as to why sporting director Edu and manager Mikel Arteta have opted to target another keeper:
Arteta is obsessed with goalkeepers and left backs.
— Kevin Osoro (@7Nyabuto) October 22, 2024
Not a striker?
— The FarEast (@NgenoAbiud) October 22, 2024
Arteta and goalkeepers is something special
— G pie (@odegoat808) October 22, 2024
Brother, look at anyone other than goalkeepers.
— Wodegaard (@wodegaard_) October 22, 2024
We don't need GK sign striker and a winger first
— Viktor Gyokeres 💧 (@Jurrien96288431) October 22, 2024
Goal keeper again😂
— Agaba (@PostbyAgaba) October 22, 2024
Another goalie????
— E Go Be✌🏿 (@jostezz_) October 22, 2024
More goalkeepers for ‘Teta.
— Etienne 🔴⚪️ (@etienne_smith23) October 22, 2024
Zych would not join Arsenal straight away
With the Pole’s current deal with Villa set to expire at the end of June next year, a move would officially go through on July 1st.
Due to Zych’s age, some sort of compensation fee will need to be agreed too. If not, a tribunal would set the price.
A new No.2 could be required
Following the decision to sell Aaron Ramsdale to Southampton in August, Arsenal loaned Neto from Bournemouth to provide backup for No.1 David Raya.
However, there was no purchase clause included in the deal for the Brazilian and he is widely expected to return to the Vitality Stadium next summer.
The Gunners may consider reviving their interest in Espanyol’s Joan Garcia but he could still prove to be too expensive, despite his release clause reportedly dropping to £20m. Zych would be a much cheaper alternative.
Find out who is in Arsenal’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
