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Arsenal now eyeing move for Forest goalkeeper Stefan Ortega

By on July 4, 2026

Arsenal are considering a bargain swoop to sign former Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega this summer, according to TEAMtalk.

Arrizabalaga only joined Arsenal last summer, but the 31-year-old largely served as understudy to David Raya throughout the campaign, making just one Premier League appearance, which came on the final day of the season.

The Spaniard featured 12 times in all competitions, although 10 of those appearances came in domestic cup fixtures. With Raya enjoying an outstanding season between the posts, there was little suggestion that Arrizabalaga could challenge his compatriot for the No. 1 position.

As a result, the former Chelsea goalkeeper could opt to seek regular first-team football elsewhere over the coming months.

Should Kepa depart, Arsenal would be left without an experienced deputy for Raya, with highly rated academy prospect Tommy Setford still considered short of the experience required to fill that position.

Consequently, the Gunners have begun assessing the market for a dependable backup goalkeeper to provide reliable cover for Raya during the upcoming campaign.

One of the options the club are considering is Ortega, according to TEAMtalk, which claims that the 6ft 1in shot-stopper is ‘appreciated’ by Arsenal’s recruitment department.

Bargain swoop

Mikel Arteta wants to provide strong competition and an experienced backup for Raya, and the German has been included among several options, including Mathew Ryan, Yann Sommer, and Illan Meslier, all of whom are available as free agents this summer, according to the report.

However, Ortega could be prioritised, as TEAMtalk adds that the former Arminia Bielefeld shot-stopper is viewed as a viable option due to his vast Premier League experience with Manchester City and Nottingham Forest.

Stefan Ortega has built a strong reputation as one of the Premier League’s most dependable backup goalkeepers over the past four seasons, keeping 27 clean sheets in his 63 appearances in English football.

While at Manchester City, he enjoyed a trophy-laden spell, winning one UEFA Champions League, one UEFA Super Cup, one FIFA Club World Cup, one FA Cup, one Community Shield, and two Premier League titles.

Arsenal fans may have fond memories of him for keeping out Son Heung-Min’s strike that should have guaranteed the 2023-24 Premier League title but instead gave their rivals a record fourth title in a row.

While his one-year spell at Forest did not go to plan due to injuries, he is still an excellent goalkeeper whose qualities and experience would be invaluable to the Gunners should a deal be completed this summer.