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Ex-Gunner says Arsenal could sign Jason Steele this summer

By Ritayan Chatterjee on May 9, 2024

Former midfielder Adrian Clarke has claimed that Arsenal could sign Brighton and Hove Albion star Jason Steele this summer.

Following the arrival of David Raya last summer, Aaron Ramsdale has found himself on the periphery this season. So, it has been suggested that the former Bournemouth star could leave the Emirates Stadium at the end of this season to play regular first-team football elsewhere.

Raya initially joined the club on a loan deal but it is looking likely that the North London club will make the move permanent this summer as he has established himself as a first-choice option in Mikel Arteta’s starting eleven. Therefore, if Ramsdale eventually leaves this summer then Arsenal will need to sign a new goalkeeper to support Raya next season.

Arteta likes to play a possession-based system and he likes to have goalkeepers – who are comfortable with the ball at his feet. So, the Spaniard opted to sign Raya last summer, demoting Ramsdale’s role.

Now, speaking on the Handbrake Off Podcast, Clarke has said that Steele is comfortable playing out from the back and is a Premier League proven shot-stopper. In addition, the ex-Gunner says that the 33-year-old would be delighted to play as a second fiddle to Raya at Arsenal if he joins the club so Arsenal could sign the Brighton star this summer.

Steele to Arsenal

Clarke said:

“I’ve floated the idea of like Brighton’s Steele, someone who is capable of playing out of the back and would be delighted to be sub goalkeeper here but is also Premier League standard. Steele or another Arsenal old boy I could see.”

Steele, standing at 6ft 2in tall, is set to enter the final two years of his current contract. So, it remains to be seen how much money the Seagulls demand to sell their star man should Arsenal formalise their interest.

The 33-year-old is excellent with the ball at his feet but he isn’t the best shot-stopper as having played 16 Premier League games this season, he has kept only two clean-sheets with a 56% saving-rate.

So, he might not be the best option for Arsenal to reinforce their goalkeeping department. But, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club eventually opt to make a concrete approach to purchase him this summer.