Arsenal chief Edu has four options to solve Gunners’ biggest transfer dilemma

Rodgers gives update on Maddison amid Arsenal links

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Mikel Arteta has shored up the Arsenal backline since taking charge of the club in 2019. In fact, they have improved so much in defence that only Chelsea and champions Manchester City conceded fewer Premier League goals last season.

Arsenal conceded an average of just over one goal per game last term – their best record since finishing second in the top flight to Leicester City in 2016.

German Bernd Leno continued to impress in goal and is the undisputed number one at the club.

But following the club’s decision to allow Emiliano Martinez to depart for Aston Villa last summer, back-up for the German shot-stopper is thin on the ground.

Runar Alex Runarsson flattered to deceive when called upon in the cup competitions last season and appears to have no future at the club,

Meanwhile, academy graduate Arthur Okonkwo is viewed as a third-choice at the moment.

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Arsenal need a reliable alternative to Leno and ultimately someone who can push him to become first-choice.

So who will Emirates chief Edu and boss Arteta turn to this summer?

Aaron Ramsdale

Aaron Ramsdale left Bournemouth for Sheffield United last summer following the south coast side’s relegation to the Championship.

But Ramsdale suffered back-to-back relegations as United had a shocking season and finished bottom of the Premier League.

The 23-year-old was part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2020 and will be looking for an immediate move back to the top flight.

Ramsdale already has 75 Premier League appearances to his name and has been linked with Arsenal all summer.

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Sam Johnstone

Another goalkeeper the Gunners have been linked with is West Brom’s Sam Johnstone.

The 28-year-old is another player who suffered Premier League relegation last time out but received rave reviews for his performances for the Baggies.

Johnstone also went to Euro 2020 and has piqued the interest of a number of top flight clubs, including Tottenham and West Ham.

With his contract coming to an end next summer, Arsenal will apparently need to pay £20milllion to secure the shot-stopper.

Andre Onana

Arsenal are also rumoured to be monitoring Ajax’s Andre Onana.

The 25-year-old has plenty of Champions League experience and has won the Eredivisie twice during his time in Holland.

Onana came through the youth set up at Barcelona and has been capped 18 times by Cameroon.

The keeper could be allowed to leave Ajax on the cheap as he is currently suspended after testing positive for banned substance furosemide last October.

Onana was originally banned until February next year but that has been reduced and he will be available before the end of this year.

Freddie Woodman

If Arteta wants to keep his search closer to home, he may turn to Newcastle’s Freddie Woodman.

The 24-year-old returned to St James’ Park this summer after two seasons on loan with Swansea City.

Woodman impressed during his time in Wales as Swansea narrowly missed out on the play-offs for two seasons in a row.

The keeper could also be used as bait by Newcastle in their attempts to lure Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock to the club.

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