Arsenal have made enquires about bringing West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone to the Emirates Stadium, according to The Athletic.
What’s the story?
The Athletic are reporting that Arsenal’s hopes to sign Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United have faded.
So, the Gunners will now have to look elsewhere for a new goalkeeper.
West Brom goalkeeper Johnstone is an option the Gunners have already looked at, according to the report.
But, it has been claimed that Mikel Arteta’s side are unlikely to go back for the 28-year-old, described as “outstanding” by Tottenham Hotspur legend Gary Lineker on Twitter in March.
According to the report in The Athletic, ‘Arsenal staff made discreet enquiries about the availability of’ the England international ‘a few weeks ago’.
However, the Gunners are ‘unlikely’ to ‘follow up with formal interest’.
Apparently, the 28-year-old ‘does not fit the profile’ of goalkeeper the Gunners are looking for.
Should Arsenal go back for Sam Johnstone?
Like Lineker, former Tottenham and England international Glenn Hoddle also rates Johnstone highly, describing him as “brilliant” and “a top goalkeeper” on Rio Ferdinand Presents Live in May 2021.
Now, Johnstone may not be the ideal goalkeeping candidate that Arsenal are looking for, but that they made enquiries about him suggests that at least there is a certain level of interest.
West Brom are playing in the Championship this season, and a move to Arsenal, even as a back-up to Bernd Leno, could appeal to Johnstone.
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