Arsenal’s summer business could soon include multiple departures, with Leandro Trossard already attracting strong interest from Besiktas as Mikel Arteta prepares for another busy transfer window.
The Belgian international has been heavily linked with a move to Turkey in recent days, with Besiktas looking to agree personal terms after holding positive negotiations with Arsenal over a transfer fee.
Trossard has been a key player in the team since joining from Brighton, but increased competition in attack means the possibility of him leaving is becoming increasingly real.
Now, another member of Arteta’s team could also be heading for the exit.
Kepa Arrizabalaga eyes Stefan Ortega and wants to leave Arsenal
According to TEAMtalk’s Graham Bailey, Kepa Arrizabalaga has informed Arsenal he wants to leave after just one season at the Emirates.
The Spaniard arrived last summer with the knowledge that David Raya was Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper, but hoped that regular cup football and occasional Premier League appearances would give him meaningful minutes.
Instead, Raya remained Arteta’s undisputed number one throughout the campaign, with Kepa given only a limited role.
At this stage of his career, the former Chelsea goalkeeper is thought to want a club where he has a realistic chance of playing every week, rather than spending another season as a substitute.
As a result, Arsenal have been forced to start considering alternative options.
One goalkeeper that Andrea Berta and his recruitment team are currently considering is Stefan Ortega.
The German gained a large following during his time at Man City, despite spending most of his time behind Ederson in the pecking order.
Why Stefan Ortega is the perfect replacement for Kepa
Whenever Josep Guardiola rotated his squad, Ortega rarely looked out of place. His handling is reliable, he is calm with the ball at his feet and he has shown time and time again that he can perform under pressure, both in domestic competitions and in important league matches.
These qualities make him an obvious candidate for Arsenal.
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Arteta wants his goalkeeper to be mentally sharp and comfortable playing from the back despite not playing every weekend.
Ortega has already shown he can handle just that kind of challenge.
Football Fancast Verdict | |
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reliability | Graham Bailey has built a strong network covering transfers for over 20 years and regularly delivers exclusive articles on clubs, particularly in the Premier League. However, his report should be treated as well-sourced rather than definitive, as some of the allegations develop differently as negotiations progress. |
finances | Financially, it would make a lot of sense for Arsenal to move for Ortega. In the case of free agents, there is no transfer fee; instead, the club will pay wages, signing fees, and agent fees. This represents great value for an experienced Premier League goalkeeper and fits comfortably into Arsenal’s PSR/SCR plans. |
insight | Ortega made a name for himself during his two years at Arminia Bielefeld, establishing himself as a reliable goalkeeper before joining Man City on a free transfer in 2022. Despite playing behind Ederson, he became a trusted deputy, producing several match-winning performances and collecting numerous trophies. |
impact | Ortega’s appointment would give Arsenal one of the strongest goalkeeping departments in the Premier League. His experience, composure and ability to play from the back means he can seamlessly step in whenever David Raya is absent, maintaining Arteta’s tactical approach without disrupting the team’s rhythm or lowering standards. |
Arsenal are expected to compete on multiple fronts again next season, so securing experienced secondary players who can take part in high-pressure games remains a priority.
Ortega seems like the type of player who rarely makes headlines but who could prove invaluable.
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Raya has firmly established herself as Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper, so the club doesn’t need another player seeking the spotlight. They need people who are reliable, experienced, and available when called upon.
Ortega fits that description perfectly.
The £190m star is now better than Barcola after leaving Arsenal 17 years ago
After leaving Arsenal’s academy, he became one of the best players in the world.
