Arsenal plot shock raid on Premier League club for another goalkeeper
07/08/2024 11:33 AM
Arsenal are plotting a surprise swoop for Wolves goalkeeper Dan Bentley, talkSPORT understands.
The Gunners are keen on signing a new goalkeeper just days after bringing in David Raya on a permanent deal from Brentford.
With Aaron Ramsdale already at the Emirates as a back-up, Mikel Arteta is keen on an English third-choice option.
Many clubs have enacted the same policy, including Manchester United with Tom Heaton, Manchester City with Scott Carson and Chelsea with Marcus Bettinelli.
It helps clubs meet homegrown quotas as well as having an experienced goalkeeper to lend advice in a quasi-coaching role.
Arsenal and Wolves have held conversations over Bentley but talkSPORT understands that there is a gap in valuation between the two clubs.
Bentley only signed for the Molineux outfit in January 2023 from Bristol City where he has played as back-up to Jose Sa.
Wolves boss Gary O’Neil is a huge fan of the 30-year-old, despite the fact he has only made five Premier League appearances.
Nevertheless, his impact off the pitch is hugely valued by O’Neil, who has already seen club captain Max Kilman leave for West Ham this summer.
Bentley made his Premier League debut for Wolves against Arsenal, coincidentally, coming on as a substitute in a 2-1 loss to the Gunners in December 2023.
The Basildon-born stopper started out at Arsenal at the age of eight before being released seven years later in 2008.
He signed for Southend, where he became the club’s No.1 between the sticks in 2013 and going on to make 160 appearances.
Brentford snapped Bentley up in 2016 where he starred in goal for three seasons with the Bees in the Championship before joining Bristol City in 2019.
After three and a half years at Ashton Gate, he made the move to Wolves where he has made seven appearances in total.
