Arsenal interested in signing 25-year-old Real Madrid star strongly linked with transfer: Reports
Arsenal are reportedly interested in Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. The 25-year-old is apparently unsettled at the Santiago Bernabeu and wants to leave for pastures anew.
Last season, the Ukrainian did a commendable job in the absence of regular No. 1 Thibaut Courtois, who had sustained an ACL injury, eventually usurping the on-loan Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Lunin played a key role in the quarter-final shootout win over UEFA Champions League holders Manchester City. However, he had to make way for the fit-again Courtois for the final, which Carlo Ancelotti's side won 2-0 over Borussia Dortmund.
The Ukraine international kept 12 clean sheets in 31 games across competitions, helping Los Blancos to three titles, including a La Liga and UEFA Champions League double, which more than doubled his previous tally of 17 appearances.
However, with his contract expiring next summer, Lunin wants regular game time. As per Rodra10_97 (via Madrid Zone), he hasn't responded to Real Madrid's offer of a contract extension as he looks to leave. The same report also talks about interest from the Gunners.
While the on-loan David Raya has made his stay permanent and is expected to be the No. 1, backup custodian Aaron Ramsdale is expected to leave. So, Mikel Arteta's side are contempating to reinforce the position by bringing in Champions League winner Lunin.
However, it remains to be seen if the Ukrainian moves to a club where he's not expected to be the No. 1.
How many Arsenal and Real Madrid players are still involved at Euro 2024?
Arsenal have five players still involved in UEFA Euro 2024 action ahead of the semi-finals, which begin in Munich on Tuesday (July 9). Three of them are Aaron Ramsdale, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice of England.
The other Arsenal players in the competition are France centre-back William Saliba and Spain goalkeeper David Raya. Among the quintet, Ramsdale is yet to play a game, while Raya has played just once.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid have six players still in the competition. They are France's Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Ferland Mendy and the recently joined Kylian Mbappe. The others are Spain's Dani Carvajal and Nacho Fernandez, who has recently announced his departure from the club.
France and Spain lock horns in the first semi-final in Munich on Tuesday, while England and the Netherlands go head-to-head in Dortmund a day later.