Arsenal signed Chelsea attacking midfielder Raheem Sterling on loan during the summer transfer window and were also keen on landing their goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli, according to The Athletic.
However, the Gunners goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana stopped them as the 32-year-old did not meet his exacting specifications.
Arsenal lost two goalies in the summer, with Aaron Ramsdale joining Southampton on deadline day, while Estonia international counterpart Karl Hein moved to Real Valladolid on loan for the rest of the season.
They brought in Neto as replacement and were also looking for a third-choice with homegrown status to join the first team squad.
Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Dan Bentley was on their radar but a late move on deadline day fell through, while Wigan Athletic’s Sam Tickle was also an option.
Bettinelli was also discussed and while he has played just once since joining Chelsea in the summer of 2021, Arsenal considered having him as an option on their bench.
Cana joined the Gunners along with manager Mikel Arteta in December 2019 and has been heavily involved in identifying Arsenal’s goalkeeper signings since then.
He coached Raya at Brentford and signing the Spaniard based on his recommendations has proven smart.
The North London club eventually failed to sign another goalie and summer arrival Tommy Setford will now step up to take the third-choice position.
The 18-year-old joined Arsenal academy from Ajax but will now become part of the first-team set-up, but some at the club feel his development would be best served by remaining with the academy.
