Thursday, March 28, 2024

Report: Arsenal consider raid on Newcastle to solve big squad problem

Arsenal could be about to raid another Premier League club as Mikel Arteta looks to prepare his squad for a crucial second half of the season.

According to football.london Arsenal have been tracking Woodman since the end of last season when he finished his initial loan spell with Swansea. The Gunners are said to be considering the 23-year-old as a signing this month.

Arsenal are looking in the market for a new goalkeeper this month following a poor start to life at the club for Icelandic keeper Alex Runarsson. He signed for just £1million in the summer but it seems his time at the club may already be up, with Arteta seeking a more adequate option to provide competition to number 1 Bernd Leno.

The benefits of a top-class backup keeper were highlighted last season when Leno picked up a significant injury and deputy Emiliano Martinez stepped in and starred, helping the club to another FA Cup triumph.

Woodman is officially a Newcastle United player, but he is currently on loan at Swansea City, after a couple of successful seasons at the Welsh club. Newcastle are unlikely to be precious about keeping the youngster around as they are blessed with some good options between the sticks.

Karl Darlow has become a key player for the club, filling in for Dubruvka when he was injured. Dubruvka is now back to full fitness but is having to play second fiddle to Darlow.

It was well documented that Arsenal had to leave out some senior players in their Premier League squad so far this season in Sokratis and Mesut Ozil. Signing a homegrown keeper and replacing him in the squad for Runarsson would allow for Arsenal to include another senior outfield player. This could help allow for Arsenal to sign a much-coveted midfielder this month, without having to upset anyone by leaving them out the squad.

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