BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 21: Mathew Ryan of Brighton is available for Arsenal (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)
Arsenal are on the hunt for a goalkeeper this January transfer window.
Watching Runar Alex Runarsson let Riyad Mahrez’s free-kick squirm between his fingertips as Arsenal were humbled by Manchester City brought with it stark realisation: we need another goalkeeper.
The £1.5m signing is out of his depth against Premier League opposition – let alone Molde – and the thought of Bernd Leno being crocked at any stage doesn’t come with the welcome Emiliano Martinez safety net anymore.
Matt Macey has since departed the Emirates for pastures new, leaving an 18-year-old and 19-year-old left to battle it out for the third-choice slot. Probably the backup slot too, if we’re being honest.
More from Pain in the Arsenal
Mikel Arteta divulged his plans for the January transfer window in his most recent press conference, insisting that another goalkeeper has been added to the transfer wishlist which, in truth, was needed anyway. However, the plans have been fast-tracked.
“We are assessing what is going to happen with the three positions, the discussion we had in the summer within the club are a little bit different to what actually happened because of the transfer window and the situation that developed with Emi,” he told the official Arsenal website.
“We are assessing the situation with the three positions on the goalkeeping area and we will find a different solution, probably in this window.”
Given the latest, who could Arsenal pursue this winter? There are two profiles to aim for: an option for the long-term who will provide competition for Leno further down the line, or an experienced backup to come in for the remainder of the season.
With that in mind, here are five that could be targeted.
SAINT-ETIENNE, FRANCE – DECEMBER 15: Goalkeeper of Saint-Etienne Stephane Ruffier (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
Stéphane Ruffier – Free Agent
Heading down the experienced route, Stéphane Ruffier is a free agent after leaving Saint-Etienne. A falling out with Claude Puel occurred in the latter half of last season after he was dropped for Jessy Moulin, and in early January this year his deal was terminated.
With over 550 career appearances to his name, the emergence of someone with his longevity in the game is more than worth taking a look at. Conversations can take place without a hitch, discussions over wages wouldn’t be expected to prove troublesome, and he may be enticed by the idea of a six-month stint in the Premier League.
Of course, he wouldn’t be playing in the top-flight, which could prove tricky in the current climate. Someone who has been regularly featuring for 12 seasons may not be too keen on playing second fiddle to Leno, although there is every chance that he could be given the nod in FA Cup and Europa League matches, depending on how well he performs.
Could that encourage him to make the move? At 34 years old he may not get another chance to try his hand in England, so the allure is there. Sure, Ruffier isn’t the same mould of goalkeeper as Leno, but as a confident, experienced professional to act as cover for the short-term, why not?
Fabrizio Romano confirms Arsenal interest in Girona star
</a>
</li><li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/01/11/arsenal-6-goalkeepers-target-january/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/when-will-martin-odegaard-return-from-his-injury/">
When will Martin Odegaard return from his injury?
</a>
</li><li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/01/11/arsenal-6-goalkeepers-target-january/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/2-midfielders-arsenal-could-sign-in-january-transfer-window/">
2 midfielders Arsenal could sign in January transfer window
</a>
</li><li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/01/11/arsenal-6-goalkeepers-target-january/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/thomas-partey-unlikely-to-play-for-arsenal-again-in-2023/">
Thomas Partey unlikely to play for Arsenal again in 2023
</a>
</li><li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/01/11/arsenal-6-goalkeepers-target-january/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/predicted-arsenal-lineup-vs-burnley-saka-fit-to-start/">
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Burnley: Saka fit to start?
</a>
</li></ul>
</div>
<p><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/01/11/arsenal-6-goalkeepers-target-january/"https://fbref.com/en/players/d934d1e6/Mikel-Arteta?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Mikel Arteta</a> divulged his plans for the January transfer window in his most recent press conference, insisting that another goalkeeper has been added to the transfer wishlist which, in truth, was needed anyway. However, the plans have been fast-tracked.</p>
<blockquote><p>“We are assessing what is going to happen with the three positions, the discussion we had in the summer within the club are a little bit different to what actually happened because of the transfer window and the situation that developed with Emi,” he told the official Arsenal website.</p>
<p>“We are assessing the situation with the three positions on the goalkeeping area and we will find a different solution, probably in this window.”</p></blockquote>
<p>Given the latest, who could Arsenal pursue this winter? There are two profiles to aim for: an option for the long-term who will provide competition for Leno further down the line, or an experienced backup to come in for the remainder of the season.</p>
<p>With that in mind, here are five that could be targeted.</p>
<div id="attachment_110503" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-110503" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/01/11/arsenal-6-goalkeepers-target-january/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1194214096-850x560.jpeg" alt="Ruffier, Arsenal" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">SAINT-ETIENNE, FRANCE – DECEMBER 15: Goalkeeper of Saint-Etienne Stephane Ruffier (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h2>Stéphane Ruffier – Free Agent</h2>
<p>Heading down the experienced route, Stéphane Ruffier is a free agent after leaving Saint-Etienne. A falling out with Claude Puel occurred in the latter half of last season after he was dropped for Jessy Moulin, and in early January this year his deal was terminated.</p>
<p>With over 550 career appearances to his name, the emergence of someone with his longevity in the game is more than worth taking a look at. Conversations can take place without a hitch, discussions over wages wouldn’t be expected to prove troublesome, and he may be enticed by the idea of a six-month stint in the Premier League.</p>
<p>Of course, he wouldn’t be playing in the top-flight, which could prove tricky in the current climate. Someone who has been regularly featuring for 12 seasons may not be too keen on playing second fiddle to Leno, although there is every chance that he could be given the nod in FA Cup and Europa League matches, depending on how well he performs.</p>
<p>Could that encourage him to make the move? At 34 years old he may not get another chance to try his hand in England, so the allure is there. Sure, Ruffier isn’t the same mould of goalkeeper as Leno, but as a confident, experienced professional to act as cover for the short-term, why not?</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/01/11/arsenal-6-goalkeepers-target-january/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> All-Action Man </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_110504" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-110504" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/01/11/arsenal-6-goalkeepers-target-january/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1293749141-850x560.jpeg" alt="Brice Samba, Arsenal" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 29: Brice Samba of Nottingham Forest (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h2>Brice Samba – Nottingham Forest</h2>
<p>Sure, the elephant in the room is that Nottingham Forest are currently languishing in 19th place in the Championship table and have a -10 goal difference, however, the total conceded is far from the worst in the division. By contrast, the league leaders Norwich have let in just six less.</p>
<p>In goal for Forest is Brice Samba, a Congolese stopper who’s won over his supporters, and indeed onlookers, with some starring displays in net.</p>
<p>Only Ryan Allsop has made more saves than his 65 this season (WhoScored), and he’s one of only three goalkeepers to have played every minute of his side’s campaign thus far.</p>
<p>He certainly falls under the all-action bracket – really, check out some highlight reels they’re great fun – with an array of fine stops, although it’s his distribution with his arms that is particularly impressive.</p>
<p>A revelation for the club since joining from Caen 18 months ago, he won a place in the Championship PFA Team of the Year in his debut campaign at the City Ground. An exciting prospect, he continues to light up the second tier and could be viewed as a long-term option.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/01/11/arsenal-6-goalkeepers-target-january/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Second Tier Swiss </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_110505" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-110505" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/01/11/arsenal-6-goalkeepers-target-january/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1284421785-850x560.jpeg" alt="Seny Dieng, Arsenal" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">BLACKBURN, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 07: Seny Dieng of Queens Park Rangers (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h2>Seny Dieng – Queens Park Rangers</h2>
<p>Someone who has been linked with Arsenal already this window, QPR’s <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/01/11/arsenal-6-goalkeepers-target-january/"https://fbref.com/en/players/c135cddd/Seny-Dieng?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Seny Dieng</a> has done a fine job earning his reputation considering the poor season his side have been.</p>
<p>Just like with Samba, playing in a struggling side has not prevented Dieng attracting admirers, not least for his close-range shot-stopping capabilities. In 20 outings this season he’s made 61 league saves, 42 of which have come from inside the area.</p>
<p>Shots from distance are where he has some questions marks, but his positioning for efforts within the 18-yard area isn’t in doubt.</p>
<p>At just 26 years old there is plenty of scope for improved development, although the jump up to Championship level itself has come at a rapid rate. Spending last season on loan at League One Doncaster Rovers, he’s come into a poor QPR side and never looked out of place.</p>
<p>Starting out in his native Switzerland, Dieng has had no less than 11 clubs already, and the added bonus of him being London-based could help entice Arsenal.</p>
<p>Fun fact: Dieng joined the illustrious group of goalscoring goalkeepers when <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/01/11/arsenal-6-goalkeepers-target-january/"https://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/archive6517-match-info/match-centre/1-2850634?external_domain=www.thenationalleague.org.uk%22 target="_blank" rel="noopener">he poked home a header for Whitehawk</a> in 2017.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/01/11/arsenal-6-goalkeepers-target-january/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Long-Term Goal </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_110506" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-110506" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/01/11/arsenal-6-goalkeepers-target-january/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1294663993-850x560.jpeg" alt="David Raya, Arsenal" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 05: David Raya of Brentford (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h2>David Raya – Brentford</h2>
<p>The key man. The player Arsenal have been trying to lure across London for the best part of a year. In the summer their efforts were futile as Brentford turned down a £10m bid, with the idea always to try and secure <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/01/11/arsenal-6-goalkeepers-target-january/"https://fbref.com/en/players/98ea5115/David-Raya?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">David Raya</a>‘s signature regardless of the arrival of Runarsson.</p>
<p>On the ball there are central defenders in the Championship who aren’t as composed as the Spaniard, whose delivery with his feet is the best of any goalkeeper in the division.</p>
<p>Apart from his overall goalkeeping ability, Raya is a commanding voice in the Brentford back line. Constantly barking orders at those in front of him, he not only springboards attacks with his decision-making on the ball but he also guides his team up the pitch from his vantage point.</p>
<p>A large part of the interest Arteta and co have in Raya is that he classes as homegrown. The importance of that increases ever further as new rules come in post-Brexit, while his experience of the division and fluency in the language also help his case.</p>
<p>Arsenal’s chances of signing him this window are incredibly thin, though. Brentford are pushing for promotion once more and are in no need to sell, with a summer revisit more likely.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/01/11/arsenal-6-goalkeepers-target-january/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Rival's Backup </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_110507" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-110507" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/01/11/arsenal-6-goalkeepers-target-january/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1228071074-850x560.jpeg" alt="Sergio Romero, Arsenal" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">COLOGNE, GERMANY – AUGUST 16: Sergio Romero of Manchester United (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h2>Sergio Romero – Manchester United</h2>
<p>Another member of the stop-gap group, <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/01/11/arsenal-6-goalkeepers-target-january/"https://fbref.com/en/players/1e26e376/Sergio-Romero?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sergio Romero</a> is one of those goalkeepers who could have blinder after blinder and still not catch a break at Manchester United.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia">
<div id="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-position="slideshow_inline" data-slot="inline_110492" style="width:300px;margin: 0 auto;">
<script>
googletag.cmd.push(function () {
googletag.defineSlot("/175840252/fansided.com/PainintheArsenal/mpu",[300, 250], "minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet")
.addService(googletag.pubads());
googletag.enableServices();
googletag.display("minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet");
});
</script>
</div>
</div> </div> </div>
<p>The Argentine is third choice to David de Gea and Dead Henderson, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirming that Romero can leave Old Trafford this January. He has six months left on his deal, but no place in the side.</p>
<p>Why he wants to leave is obvious enough: he isn’t playing. At 33 years old his next venture is likely to be his last, so a move back to his homeland is on the cards. <em>But</em>, could he be persuaded to stick it out in England for another six months?</p>
<p>Romero is still a solid enough goalkeeper. Not great by any means, he’s an admirable backup option who knows the division well. How much he’d play is another matter, although further dabbles in the Europa League and a taste of the London life (not that he could do anything now) may be worth punting for.</p>
<p>Regarding the deal, United would want a permanent sale which wouldn’t suit Arsenal, so the negotiating on that front might drag on somewhat. If the option came up for the rest of the season? Hell yeah.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/01/11/arsenal-6-goalkeepers-target-january/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Premier League Experience </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—></p><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_110514" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-110514" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/01/11/arsenal-6-goalkeepers-target-january/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1229741458-850x560.jpeg" alt="Mathew Ryan, Arsenal" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 21: Mathew Ryan of Brighton (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h2>Mathew Ryan – Brighton</h2>
<p>It’s genuinely surprising to see the <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/01/11/arsenal-6-goalkeepers-target-january/"https://fbref.com/en/players/4535e4bb/Mathew-Ryan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mathew Ryan</a> situation at Brighton unfold as it has. For three seasons he made a name for himself as an athletic goalkeeper with fantastic shot-stopping ability, only to be suddenly displaced by Robert Sánchez after 11 matches this season.</p>
<p>Even in their recent FA Cup clash, it was Jason Steele who lined up between the sticks with the Australian nowhere to be seen, the reasons for that known as back in December, manager Graham Potter revealed he will allow the 28-year-old to leave in January.</p>
<blockquote><p>“I think you’ve got to be respectful to the professional and his career and his family and his situation. […] the situation may be for him (Ryan) that he wants to be in a better position in terms of somewhere where he is more able to play or move involved in playing,” he told <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/01/11/arsenal-6-goalkeepers-target-january/"https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11741/12166569/mat-ryan-brighton-goalkeeper-has-freedom-to-leave-says-graham-potter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sky Sports</a>.</p>
<p>“I think out of respect for Mat, you’ve got to give him that freedom to do that. But in the end, it’s down to Mat and the club.”</p></blockquote>
<p>With experience of the division and regularly impressive stats each year, Ryan poses a solid option to provide backup for Leno. What’s more, he won’t cost a fortune given his situation and the fact he has 18 months left on his current deal.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Nketiah Transfer Stance Revealed" data-url="https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/01/10/arsenal-nketiah-transfer-stance-balogun/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/01/11/arsenal-6-goalkeepers-target-january/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/01/10/arsenal-nketiah-transfer-stance-balogun/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Nketiah Transfer Stance Revealed </a> </div>
</div>
<p>If Ryan were brought in, he could provide cover for a few years while both Karl Hein and Arthur Okonkwo continue to develop. Would be he content as a second string? He’s certainly good enough for a regular berth, which is why it’s so surprising to see him out of the Seagulls’ side. Would be a very solid addition for Arsenal.</p><!—pageview_candidate—>">
