According to the Dutch publication De Telegraaf, Arsenal is reportedly interested in signing Feyenoord star Justin Bijlow this summer.
Aaron Ramsdale had a solid 2022–23 season, but with David Raya’s arrival, he was relegated to the sidelines in the just finished campaign.
The Spaniard won the Premier League Golden Gloves during his exciting rookie campaign at the Emirates Stadium. The goalkeeper initially signed a loan agreement with the North London team, but this summer, the move is probably going to become permanent.
Thus, it seems unlikely that Ramsdale will stick around to play second fiddle to the Spain international goalkeeper for another season. Raya is expected to remain Arsenal’s first choice goalkeeper.
As a result, Mikel Arteta’s team may decide to trade for a new goalkeeper at the end of this season, as the Englishman may decide to leave the North London club. In recent times, there have been rumors of Andriy Lunin and Alvaro Valles joining Arsenal as goalkeepers.
Bijlow to Arsenal
Now, De Telegraaf (via Soccer News) reports that Arsenal is also interested in signing Bijlow, and they may make a formal approach this summer.
The Netherlands international is reportedly expected to be available for about £11 million, so Arsenal may be able to sign him for a reasonable sum.
De Telegraaf claims, though, that Liverpool is also preparing a raid for him, so Arsenal will have fierce competition from the Reds to finalize any possible deal for him.
If Bijlow’s interest is formally expressed, he may choose to work with his boss at Anfield, where Arne Slot is expected to take over as manager of Liverpool. Should that transpire, it would be difficult for Arsenal to convince the 26-year-old to transfer to the Emirates Stadium.
At 6 feet 3 inches tall, Bijlow possesses strong aerial skills, good shot-blocking ability, the ability to play out of the back, and excellent reflexes. If Arsenal were to acquire the Feyenoord player, he would be a wise addition to take Ramsdale’s place.
To strengthen their goalkeeping unit, it will be interesting to see if the North London team decides to take a more serious stance and try to sign the Netherlands international during the next transfer window.
