Wantaway Barcelona star to fix big Arsenal problem as 'contact made'

Tom Weber

• Updated: 10 Mar 2025 11:47 CDT
• 4 min read

Analysis

Inaki Pena is looking to get out of Barcelona, presenting Arsenal with a brilliant solution to the goalkeeper problem that will arise in the summer.

The Gunners' undisputed No.1 between the sticks is David Raya, with the Spaniard joining permanently from Brentford last year after impressing on loan the previous campaign.

Raya made several brilliant saves to keep Arsenal in the game against Man Utd on Sunday, but his mistake on Bruno Fernandes' free kick showed that he is not infallible.

Raya's position is secure this season, but things could have been quite different. After selling Aaron Ramsdale last summer, Arsenal wanted to bring in Joan Garcia from Espanyol.

The 23-year-old has been brilliant for the Barcelona-based side since usurping the No.1 shirt last season, but the North London club were unable to strike a deal.

Arsenal had to find an emergency solution and loaned veteran Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto. It was a decision that has since come under scrutiny as the Brazilian took up a valuable loan spot - which could have been used on a January reinforcement - while only making four appearances.

Pena to fix Arsenal's goalkeeper problem?

Arsenal do not have a purchase option for Neto and he will return to the South Coast in the summer. The Gunners could, of course, negotiate his permanent signing but it is fair to say that the 35-year-old is not a long-term solution.

Mikel Arteta wants a goalkeeper who can put pressure on Raya and challenge him for that No.1 role, which is something that Neto just isn't doing right now.

Arsenal remain keen on Garcia, but his situation hasn't really changed. Espanyol want clubs to trigger his €25m-€30m release clause and, if anything, more suitors have emerged over the course of the season to challenge Arsenal.

An intriguing solution to Arsenal's No.2 problem could be found on the other side of Barcelona. Transfer insider Matteo Moretto reports that Inaki Pena is ready to leave FC Barcelona after losing his place to Wojciech Szczesny.

Contract talks between the Blaugrana and the 26-year-old have come to a 'standstill' and clubs have already made contact regarding a potential summer transfer.

Galatasaray appear to be his most concrete option at present, but Moretto states that sides from Spain and England are also keeping tabs on the situation.

Pena, naturally, wants to join a club where he can be a first-choice option, but Arsenal could be appealing. Arteta has shown himself to be ruthless and if the goalkeeper could prove more capable than Raya - a tall task, to be sure - he could supplant his compatriot.

The data also backs up that North London would be a good destination for him. According to SciSports' Career Advice tool, Arsenal have a 'Club Fit' rating of 78 out of 100, making them a superb option.

In fact, his slim prospects of playing time are the only thing driving down his rating, which suggests that Pena would be ideal for Arsenal should he manage to outperform Raya.