Arsenal eye trio of goalkeepers as shock Wojciech Szczesny swoop could fulfil key rule requirement

Arsenal are weighing up a shock move to bring Wojciech Szczesny back to Emirates Stadium, as they brace themselves for the departure of Aaron Ramsdale.

The Gunners have started looking at replacements for Ramsdale, who has lost his place in the team to David Raya and is expected to leave in the summer.

Arsenal would ideally like to bring in a homegrown goalkeeper to help them comply with Premier League squad rules and Szczesny has been suggested as a possible option.

The 34-year-old Pole came through the Arsenal academy and made 181 appearances for the Gunners before joining Juventus in 2017.

Juventus want to sell a goalkeeper this summer as they work on a deal to sign Michele Di Gregorio from Monza, raising the prospect of Szczesny being available.

Wojciech Szczesny came through the ranks at Arsenal (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

But a deal for Szczesny looks difficult due to his reported £100,000-a-week wages after tax.

He has been Juventus No1 this season, still has one year to run on his contract, is settled in Turin and it remains to be seen if he would be happy to play back-up to Raya.

Brighton’s Jason Steele is another homegrown goalkeeper that Arsenal may target, but he still has two years left on his contract. The 33-year-old, who played with Raya at Blackburn earlier in his career, has rotated with Bart Verbruggen at Brighton this season.

Arsenal are also among several top European clubs who have scouted Ajax goalkeeper Diant Ramaj. He fits the profile of goalkeeper Arsenal want as he is excellent with the ball at his feet, but at 22 he is reluctant to give up being a guaranteed starter.

Arsenal want to sign a homegrown goalkeeper amid uncertainty over the futures of a host of homegrown players in their squad.

Newcastle are frontrunners to sign Ramsdale, who is expected to leave in search of first-team football.

Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe, James Hillson and Reiss Nelson could also depart this summer.

Arsenal are expected to continue to back Mikel Arteta in the transfer market and their priorities are a defender, a midfielder and a forward.

Arsenal want a new forward with Benjamin Sesko among their targets (REUTERS)

The Gunners ideally want a left-footed defender and remain interested in 18-year-old Jorrel Hato, despite him signing a new deal with Ajax in March. Ajax hope Hato, who has already captained the Dutch giants, will be persuaded to stay for at least one more season but they are resigned to him leaving eventually.

A new forward is a key target for Arsenal and they are likely to focus on bringing in someone who can play out wide. Kai Havertz has excelled as a No9 this year and his good form has forced Arsenal to reconsider their plans.

The club have for a long time wanted to bring in competition for Bukayo Saka and a player who can operate on either flank is desired.

Arsenal are long-term admirers of Wolves winger Pedro Neto and they have scouted Nico Williams from Athletic Club. Strikers Benjamin Sesko and Santiago Gimenez have also been watched and could be options as they can play wide.

Register now for one of the Evening Standard’s newsletters. From a daily news briefing to Homes & Property insights, plus lifestyle, going out, offers and more. For the best stories in your inbox, click here.