According to reports, Arsenal are considering a move for Martin Dubravka if back-up goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale leaves the Emirates in the coming weeks.
The Chronicle report that Mikel Arteta is searching for a squad player to sit behind current No.1 David Raya, with Newcastle looking for suitable buyers after placing the Slovakian on the transfer list after six years at the club.
Following the return of Nick Pope and the signing of Odysseas Vlachodimos from Nottingham Forest, the writing looks to be on the wall for the 35-year-old, who has slipped right down the pecking order at St James’ Park.
Dubravka was linked with a move to Celtic last month, but the Scottish giants have opted to sign former Leicester shot-stopper Kasper Schmeichel instead. Unnamed clubs in Saudi Arabia and Germany have also been credited with an interest in the goalkeeper, but it’s claimed Arsenal are also keeping tabs on his situation.
Aside from a brief loan stint at Manchester United, where he was part of the 2023 EFL Cup winning squad that beat Eddie Howe’s side in the final, Dubravka is one of the longest serving players still at the club.
With 152 appearances for the Magpies since 2018, the former Sparta Prague keeper was named the Newcastle United Player of the Season in the 2019-20 season.
If only we hadn’t wasted £20m on a ‘keeper deemed not good enough for Forest! We could’ve bought Ramsdale and used Dubravka as part of a swap deal to bring the price down. Maybe we can still try it, and include the new fella as well!
Ian(Quote)
The ‘£20m’ was never that simple for Vlachodimos. We can’t see it like that – it was a transaction to help both NUFC and Forest avoid a PSR breach.
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
If only we had got a 10 point deduction for breaching PSR. Think bigger picture.
John(Quote)
This ^
We were screwed with PSR and had little options but I think lessons have definitely been learnt and that debacle won’t happen again
Porkpie(Quote)
As for Dubravka I for one won’t miss him.
Overrated imo, static, terrible at commanding his area, not good at crosses the list goes on the one thing he is good at is shot stopping.
In 15 games last season Pope conceded 16 in the other 23 prem lge games we conceded 47, says it all.
Porkpie(Quote)