Kepa, Leno and four goalkeeping transfers Newcastle are targeting this summer
Suraj Radia
- Updated: 23 May 2023 08:55 CDT
- 3 min read
With Premier League survival on the horizon, Newcastle are in the process of drawing up their transfer targets ahead of a busy summer - and strengthening the goalkeeping position is one of the club’s biggest priorities.
Manager Eddie Howe has been keen to bring in players with Premier League experience and it appears that desire has not changed as Chelsea shot-stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga and Arsenal’s Bernd Leno are amongst four domestic names being considered to provide competition for current number one Martin Dubravka.
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All four players would be interested in the move to strengthen their chances of being called up for their national side for the World Cup in December but which one will they land on?
Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea)
The most expensive goalkeeper of all time, it’s fair to say things have not gone to plan for Kepa since arriving from Athletic Bilbao for £72 million four years ago. An error-filled first two seasons saw Chelsea replace him with Edouard Mendy and it appears a forgone conclusion that the club will look to cut their losses on the 27-year-old.
A change of scenery could be what the Spaniard needs and having shown glimpses of his best in the cups for Chelsea, Kepa could end up becoming a shrewd acquisition should Newcastle gamble on him.
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Bernd Leno (Arsenal)
Arsenal goalkeeper Leno has made more than 100 appearances since his £22.5m move from Leverkuse. However, the signing of Aaron Ramsdale last summer saw the German lose his place in the team and he could be offered a fresh start with Newcastle.
The 30-year-old is entering the final year of his contract and could be available for a cut-price fee.
Dean Henderson (Manchester United)
With David De Gea reclaiming his spot back in the Manchester United first team, the days look numbered for backup Dean Henderson at Old Trafford. After impressing on loan at Sheffield United, Henderson signed a new long-term contract in 2020 and believed he was on the verge of ousting De Gea following a bad patch of form from the Spaniard.
However, with only 13 league appearances since and none this season, Henderson could move on in search of first-team football. Newcastle had a loan approach turned down for the 25-year-old in January and it is believed they will try for a similar deal again in the summer.
Sam Johnstone (West Brom)
Although not the biggest name on the list, Sam Johnstone has proven to be a reliable shot-stopper in his four years at West Brom, with the 29-year-old receiving three caps for England and being part of the squad that finished runners-up at last year’s European Championship.
However, he has played all but one of his seasons outside the top flight and would perhaps be a riskier option for Newcastle.
