Latest developments
- Arsenal keeping tabs on Freiburg shot-stopper Noah Atubolu
- Gunners searching for new David Raya back-up
- Potential lack of playing time could harm Arsenal's pursuit
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3/5): Arsenal view Atubolu as Garcia alternative
Arsenal are in the market for a new goalkeeper, with Neto set to return to Bournemouth when his loan spell finishes at the end of the season.
They remain keen on recruiting Espanyol's Joan Garcia, but TBR Football are reporting that the Gunners are considering Atubolu as an alternative option.
Value (4/5): Potential for a good deal
According to Transfermarkt, Atubolu's current market value is €10m (£8.4m), although Freiburg are likely to demand more than that for one of their key players.
Arsenal may still fancy their chances of striking a reasonable deal despite it being unclear how long Atubolu has left to run on the contract he signed in the summer of 2023.
Suitability (3.5/5): Penalty saving expert
Atubolu has kept 10 clean sheets in 23 Bundesliga matches this season – a tally that has only been bettered by Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer and RB Leipzig's Peter Gulacsi.
The 22-year-old has developed a reputation for being a penalty saving expert, having stopped four spot-kicks in a row this season.
Upgrade (4/5): Improvement on Neto
The Germany Under-21 international may struggle to displace Raya as Mikel Arteta's first-choice goalkeeper. However, he could be a stronger back-up option than Neto, who has been restricted to just four competitive appearances this term.
Logic (3/5): Backup role could put off Atubolu
Atubolu may be open to pursuing a fresh challenge in the Premier League, having spent the entirety of his career with Freiburg in Germany.
However, he may be reluctant to vacate his number-one spot at Freiburg to join a club where he would likely have to settle for a support role as a second-choice goalkeeper behind Raya.
Whisper+ Verdict: 17.5/25
If Arsenal are unable to land Espanyol's Garcia, Atubolu appears to be a strong alternative option, although concerns over lack of playing time could prove to be a stumbling block.
