Arteta’s Problems solved by Wolves Deal that gives Gunners optimism

Arsenal transfer news as the Gunners given reason for optimism over possible summer deal that could solve Mikel Arteta worries

Dan Bentley has been omitted from the Wolves kit release as the goalkeeper continues to be linked with a move to Arsenal. Wolves have launched several of their kits for the upcoming season, but the only goalkeepers featured are Jose Sa and Tom King, with no sign of Bentley.

The ex-Brentford and Bristol City shotstopper has been the subject of bids from the Gunners. Wolves batted away a third offer from the north London outfit, believed to be around £300,000, but they could yet return with Molineux bosses holding out for at least £1million.

Bentley has just one year remaining on his contract, but Wolves are only interested in selling if the money they receive can be reinvested in the squad. Arsenal are having to weigh up their goalkeeping resources with David Raya signing permanently from Brentford.

He established himself as the new No. 1 under Mikel Arteta and that meant Aaron Ramsdale was resigned to the bench for much of the campaign. The England international is unlikely to settle for a back-up role and has been heavily linked with a move away from the Emirates.

Ramsdale admitted whilst he was on international duty, “No footballer wants to not play.” He added: “I’ve had a tough year personally not playing, and I never want to do that again.”

Arteta, though, has attempted to suggest he can juggle both Ramsdale and Raya, despite sticking firmly with the Spaniard throughout the recent campaign. When quizzed several months ago, he claimed: “There is a big reality that Aaron will be here because he is our player and has a contract.”

Bentley began his youth career at Arsenal, spending seven years with the club before being released in 2008. He also knows Gunners goalkeeper coach Inaki Cana – the man who pushed for the signing of Raya 12 months ago – from their time together at Brentford.

Karl Hein, who was Arsenal’s No3 last season, is expected to go out on loan, furthering the need for Arteta to bring in more goalkeeping resources. He recently signed a new short-term contract with the club.