Arsenal are preparing to make an improved offer to re-sign their former academy talent, Dan Bentley, ahead of the upcoming season.
According to a report from Football Insider, Arsenal are keen on bringing Dan Bentley back to the club as Mikel Arteta seeks a new backup goalkeeper for his first team. While the Gunners’ initial offer for Wolves’ second-choice shot-stopper was instantly turned down, the North London club are expected to return with an improved offer soon.
Arsenal are targeting a homegrown goalkeeper to replace Aaron Ramsdale, who is expected to be on the move in search of regular first-team action. David Raya’s arrival from Brentford last summer saw the English international fall down the pecking order under Arteta.
He was restricted to just 11 appearances during the 2023/24 season. Frustrated by the lack of minutes, he is now keen on leaving the club, with Arsenal demanding a premium. The North London club are preparing for life without the 26-year-old. While the number spot belongs to Raya, Arteta wants a quality backup option and the clubs will prefer having a homegrown player.
Arsenal want to re-sign Bentley
The North London club are interested in the services of Dan Bentley, who is currently a part of the Wolves’ first team. Bentley was a part of the Arsenal youth ranks back in the day. Unfortunately, it did not work out for him back then.
However, they are now keen on bringing him back ahead of next season. While Arsenal did fail with an initial offer, they are preparing to submit an improved offer for him. Arsenal goalkeeper coach Inaki Cana is pushing hard to have Bentley in their ranks because of their pre-existing relationship.
The player is well aware of how things work at the club and more importantly, he will help them with the registration rules of the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League as both require a minimum of eight homegrown players in the squad.
Their initial offer for the 30-year-old was worth just £50,000. Wolves rejected it without a second thought as they considered it to be cheeky. They are reluctant to let him leave amidst uncertainty around the future of their number one Jose Sa. If the Gunners want to prise him away, their second offer will have to be much better after having failed first time out.
