Arsenal place Feyenoord 26yo high on transfer shortlist | OneFootball

Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow is high on Arsenal’s shortlist of goalkeepers this summer, according to a report from the Netherlands.

ROME, ITALY: Justin Bijlow of Feyenoord gestures during the UEFA Europa League Quarterfinal Second Leg match between AS Roma and Feyenoord at Stadio Olimpico on April 20, 2023. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Dutch outlet De Telegraaf report that both Arsenal and Liverpool have Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow high on their goalkeeping shortlist this summer.

De Telegraaf claim Arsenal are looking to recruit a strong alternative to David Raya, who is ready to step in and compete for the number-one spot, and they sent scouts to watch Bijlow on at least four occasions in the 2023/24 Champions League.

The Gunners are reportedly keen to make a decision on a new goalkeeper in the coming weeks, and Bijlow is considered a very serious option.

ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS: Felipe Anderson of SS Lazio competes for the ball with Justin Bijlow of Feyenoord during the UEFA Europa League group F match between Feyenoord and SS Lazio at Feyenoord Stadium on November 03, 2022. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

The report suggests that Arsenal see Bijlow as a good fit for their attacking style, and they view his age (26) favourably, wanting a slightly more experienced goalkeeper.

Bijlow has made 143 appearances for Feyenoord, he’s played in the Champions League, and he’s made eight appearances for his country.

If not for a couple of unfortunately-timed injuries over the last 12 months, he could have been in contention to start at the Euros. He’s in the Dutch preliminary squad, so perhaps it’s not too late.

ENSCHEDE, NETHERLANDS: Justin Bijlow of Netherlands in action during the UEFA Nations League 2022/23 third-place match between Netherlands and Italy at FC Twente Stadium on June 18, 2023. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Those injuries are worth mentioning, with Bijlow suffering two wrist fractures and a calf injury since the start of 2023. He’s missed 41 games for club and country over the last year and a half.

Yet the goalkeeper still managed to make 24 appearances in 2023/24, keeping nine clean sheets.