Arsenal are now considering a summer transfer move for one player who used to share a dressing room with David Raya.
Mikel Arteta has a big decision to make about the Arsenal goalkeeper department in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Arsenal are expected to sign two goalkeepers this summer. One of those deals will include a £27 million investment to make David Raya’s switch to the Emirates Stadium permanent.
The Gunners are also aware that Aaron Ramsdale is almost certain to leave the club at the end of this season, as he has lost his starting berth to Raya. A replacement for the 25-year-old will therefore be needed, as current third-choice option Karl Hein is not yet ready to step up to being the No. 2.
Arsenal eye move for Jason Steele
According to The Standard, Brighton and Hove Albion shot-stopper Jason Steele is one of the options currently being considered to come in and take up Ramsdale’s place as Raya’s understudy.
The 33-year-old is certainly someone Raya knows well, as the duo previously shared a dressing room at Blackburn Rovers.
Steele was the No. 1 at Ewood Park, but Raya stepped up to take his place after he moved on to join Sunderland.
David Raya opens up about relationship with Jason Steele
Speaking as Steele’s understudy in 2017, Raya said: “Me and Jason work hard every day and we’re pushing each other…he’s a really good goalkeeper and I’ve learnt a lot from him,” as quoted by the official Blackburn Rovers website.
In a case of role-reversal, Steele could now come to Arsenal to provide back up for Raya. The fact that the pair appear to have a positive pre-existing relationship may be another factor that prompts Arteta to make a formal move to sign the Brighton man. After all, the importance of having a tight-knit and supportive group of goalkeepers in a squad can scarcely be overstated.
Steele would also be a suitable tactical fit for the Gunners. He excels with the ball at his feet, takes an aggressive approach to the game like Raya, and has shown that he can impress at Premier League level.
The £20,000-per-week ace has made 16 appearances in the top flight of English football for the Seagulls this season, as Roberto De Zerbi has taken a rotational approach with his goalkeepers.
Whether or not Steele would be comfortable reverting to a back up role remains to be seen, but he could prove to be the perfect solution to Arsenal’s current goalkeeper conundrum.