The summer transfer window has officially opened and the rumour mill has hit overdrive, with constant speculation set to circle until the window slams shut in September.
We’ve decided to look at some of the notable names grabbing the headlines right now, looking at five goalkeepers who are in high demand this summer.
Gabriel Slonina
Gabriel Slonina could be the latest US goalkeeper to make an impression in English football, with a number of Premier League clubs believed to be interested in signing the Chicago Fire teenager.
The 18-year-old has already amassed 25 MLS appearances since being handed his senior debut, becoming the youngest goalkeeper in the league’s history to record a clean sheet.
Wolves are understood to have expressed an interest in signing the imposing youngster, though it is Chelsea and Real Madrid who have emerged as front runners with the former favourites to secure his signing.
Gabriel Slonina deal update. Chelsea are now really close to signing the talented goalkeeper, they are pushing after Real Madrid bid rejected – talks are in progress with Chelsea to get the deal done soon. ???????? #CFC
€10m fee expected by Chicago for 2004-born GK Slonina. pic.twitter.com/N2cUflb5Vx
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 12, 2022
At 6ft 4in, Slonina is a towering figure and is impressive with the ball at his feet, hallmarks of an elite goalkeeper in the modern game. The confident teenager has outlined his ambition to become one of the best in the world and a move to Chelsea – who are reportedly close to an £8.6m deal – will be the next stepping stone towards that objective.
Bernd Leno
Bernd Leno has found himself as a forgotten figure at Arsenal, with the Germany international dropped following a poor start to the season for the Gunners last term.
Aaron Ramsdale’s instant impact kept Leno out of the side and the 30-year-old will now look to move on as he bids to secure regular first-team football away from the Emirates.
Recent reports have suggested Leno is keen to remain in London and Fulham have emerged as a potential destination for the goalkeeper, though the newly-promoted Cottagers could face competition from Newcastle, Benfica and a number of Bundesliga clubs.
The player’s representative, Joannis Koukoutrigas, has revealed his belief that Leno should be the number one in North London and confirmed Fulham’s interest in a potential deal.
“He is a German national goalkeeper, has always performed well at Arsenal and is an absolute team player,” he told Bild.
“For me personally, Bernd is also the clear No.1 at Arsenal. With all due respect to the competitors.
“Yes, Fulham is trying hard to get Bernd. Very professionally. This is also true for some other clubs and shows his status. But, as I said, for me he is the No.1 at Arsenal and we are therefore also relaxed.”
Sam Johnstone
Sam Johnstone is seeking a Premier League return after leaving West Brom this summer, with the England international a free agent.
Johnstone impressed despite West Brom’s relegation from the Premier League in 2020/21, earning the club’s Players’ Player of the Year award and breaking into Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
The club’s failed promotion campaign has now persuaded Johnstone to pursue a new challenge and a host of top-flight clubs have been linked with the 29-year-old.
Sam Johnstone pulled off a miraculous save as England prepared for #Euro2020pic.twitter.com/mhkNzjHjNW
— GOAL (@goal) June 8, 2021
Manchester United – the club where Johnstone began his career – have been linked as the Red Devils seek potential cover and competition for David de Gea, with Dean Henderson keen on an exit from Old Trafford.
Johnstone, however, will want assurances over his playing time to boost his World Cup ambitions and Crystal Palace are believed to be leading Newcastle and Nottingham Forest in the race for his signature.
Dean Henderson
Henderson is another English goalkeeper seeking a new club this summer, having made just three appearances in all competitions for Manchester United last season.
The 25-year-old has struggled to dislodge David de Gea as first choice despite sharing goalkeeping duties with the Spaniard in 2020/21, with the shot-stopper now seeking a loan exit in a bid to secure regular game time.
Excl: Nottingham Forest have opened talks with Manchester United to sign Dean Henderson on loan with option to buy [around £20m]. ???????????????????????????????? #MUFC
Negotiations ongoing – Nottingham Forest want Henderson and it’s now a possibility also considered by the player. Talks on. #NFFC pic.twitter.com/ncwvy3jlwN
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 15, 2022
Several Premier League clubs have been linked, though Nottingham Forest are understood to be closing in on his signing. Steve Cooper’s team are believed to be close to agreeing a loan switch that will include an option to buy for around £20m, whilst the Red Devils will cover a portion of Henderson’s wages.
Having shone during two seasons on loan at Sheffield United, the goalkeeper will hope to revive his England ambitions with number one status this season.
Nick Pope
Nick Pope is expected to join the exodus at Burnley this summer following the Clarets’ relegation from the Premier League, with the goalkeeper keen to remain in the top flight and keep alive his World Cup hopes with England.
Pope has been a consistent performer for Burnley across the past five seasons, twice being named as the club’s Player of the Season and earning inclusion in the 2019/20 PFA Team of the Year.
The 30-year-old is believed to be on the radar of Newcastle who have considered several goalkeeping options this summer and Eddie Howe could launch a move for the shot-stopper as his revolution of the Magpies continues.
Having spent recent seasons battling near the bottom of the division, the ambitious project at St James’ Park could tempt Pope.
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