Despite Martin Dubravka being all set to become our first summer signing, the Guardian claim Rafa Benitez is interested in Swansea goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski – suggesting the Spaniard is looking to bring in TWO goalkeepers this summer.
The 33-year-old stopper saw his side relegated to the Championship over the weekend, however he has been their player of the season and one of their few shining lights in and otherwise dismal campaign.
A few will be left baffled as to why Rafa wants to sign another keeper given Dubravka has looked so good and will almost certainly complete a permanent move, but he’s always seemed intent on overhauling our goalkeeping department and increasing competition.
To add to this, The Guardian (who are more reliable than most) claim he will be available for as little as £5m this summer, stating we, Watford, West Ham and Palace are all keen – however they insist that he’d reject interest to become a top six club’s ‘no.2’ in favour of first-team football elsewhere in the Premier League:
“Fabianski was Swansea’s best player by a distance this season and it is understood Watford, Newcastle, Crystal Palace and West Ham are monitoring the Poland goalkeeper’s situation. The 33-year-old, who joined Swansea on a free from Arsenal in 2014 and has 12 months left on his contract, is likely to be available for about £5m.
Although there has been interest from top-six clubs keen on bringing in an experienced and reliable No 2, Fabianski wants to be a first-choice goalkeeper.”
With that last line in mind, is it realistic to bring him in and have Dubravka as cover? I’m not so sure given how brilliant he’s been since January. He’s exceeded expectations, but he looks the part – however it would be just like Rafa to bring in added competition and experience to keep him on his toes.
Personally, I'm not surprised at all to see us linked with Fabianski.
Rafa has often mentioned the importance of 'experience' and 'competition'. He's 33, a proven PL goalkeeper & available for just £5m. I can see us selling Darlow & Sels so is this to keep Dubravka on his toes?
— Black&WhiteBarmy (@BlackWhiteBarmy) May 15, 2018
This link also comes a day on from claims that we’ve ‘re-opened talks’ to sign previously linked PSG stopper Alphonse Areola, so it’s either the start of silly season or further proof that Benitez wants a totally new set of goalkeepers at the club for next season.
I think the latter could be more likely.