Arsenal are reportedly preparing an improved offer to sign former academy prospect Dan Bentley as Aaron Ramsdale's replacement ahead of the upcoming season.
Ramsdale has been heavily linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium this summer in search of regular first-team action.
The arrival of David Raya on loan from Brentford last summer resulted in the English international falling down the pecking order, managing only 11 appearances during the 2023-24 season.
Raya was handed a long-term contract with the Gunners earlier this month, suggesting that Ramsdale is likely to remain the Spaniard's backup for next season if he stays at the club.
While there has been no concrete interest in Ramsdale so far, it seems the club are already preparing for life without the 26-year-old.
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Arsenal looking to secure Ramsdale replacement ahead of 2024-25 season
According to Football Insider, Arsenal are pursuing a deal to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Dan Bentley, who is a former academy graduate of the Gunners, as a potential replacement for Ramsdale next season.
Arsenal are believed to have made an initial bid of just £50,000 to bring the 30-year-old back to the Emirates this summer, though Wolves turned down the offer without hesitation.
Additionally, Gary O'Neil is hesitant to let Bentley depart this summer, especially given the uncertainty surrounding the future of their current number one Jose Sa.
The report adds that while the Gunners' first offer for Wolves' second-choice shot-stopper was immediately rejected, the North Londoners are expected to return with an improved offer in the coming days.
It is understood that Arsenal's goalkeeper coach Inaki Cana, who played a key role in Raya's signing, is eager for the club to acquire Bentley due to their pre-existing relationship.
Bentley is said to be aware of the club's operations and will assist them with abiding by the registration rules of the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, both of which mandate a minimum of eight homegrown players in the squad.
Earlier in the transfer window, Ramsdale was reportedly close to a move to Newcastle United, but the England international publicly dismissed the rumours before joining Gareth Southgate's squad for Euro 2024.
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Bentley set to return to the Emirates Stadium this summer?
Bentley spent time in Arsenal's academy from 2001 to 2008 and maintains contacts within the club who are eager to see him make a return.
The 30-year-old joined Wolves from Bristol City in 2023, having previously made 137 appearances for the Robins where he served as the club captain.
Last season, Bentley made eight appearances for Wolves and kept three clean sheets while filling in for Sa when called upon.
His current contract is set to expire next summer, but his deal at Molineux Stadium includes an option for a mutual extension of another two seasons.
Talks over Ramsdale's future are likely to be held upon his return from Germany following the Euro 2024 final between Spain and England this Sunday.
Devesh Jaganath
