Arsenal were in search of a third choice goalkeeper signing and Marcus Bettinelli of Chelsea was discussed as an option.
The Gunners signed Raheem Sterling on loan on deadline day. But along with that they were also interested in signing goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli. David Raya is undisputable number one for Arsenal and they signed Neto on loan as a backup. But the search for a third choice goalkeeper didn’t go well. As they had to settle with two teenagers Tommy Setford and Lucas Nygaard who were added to the reserve team. Significant outings in the position had forced Arsenal to search for other options.
WHO IS MARCUS BETTINELLI?
Marcus Bettinelli is a 32 year old English goalkeeper. He has a lot of experience playing in the lower leagues of English football. He is a graduate of Fulham academy. And has made over 100 appearances for Fulham first team between 2010 and 2021. During this time he also played on loan for some of the lower divisions clubs in England.
Bettinelli joined Chelsea in the summer of 2021 on two year contract since remained as the third choice for blues. He only made a few first team appearances but he has remained as the most experienced keepers in their ranks. He is part of the Chelsea squad and will be the third choice behind Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen.
ARSENAL’S KEEPER SEARCH
Arsenal were one of the few clubs who were in search of goalkeepers. This is due to their lack of depth in that area. They lost almost 9 goalkeeper from their ranks in this transfer window. The major senior players sold were Aaron Ramsdale who left for Southampton for €21 million. And Karl Hein who joined Real Valladolid on a permanent move.
Along with this they lost numerous goalkeeping options from the academy. This forced them to enter the market to find goalkeepers. David Raya made his permanent move from Brentford and has placed him as undisputed number 1. Neto also joined on a season long loan deal from Bournemouth as a replacement for Ramsdale. He will act as a backup for Raya. As third option they were considering Chelsea keeper Marcus Bettinelli. Along with Joan Garcia of Espanyol and Dan Bentley of Wolves.
According to the Athletic Marcus Bettinelli was one of the several options Arsenal looked at. But he ultimately didn’t meet with the requirements of goalkeeper coach Inaki Cana.
Garcia and Bentley made the final cut. But both moves failed since both of their clubs unwilling to negotiate the price tag Arsenal considered. Now the transfer window is closed. Mikel Arteta would have to trust either of his 18 year old academy acquisitions to step up when required. Since third choice keepers rarely come into action it is not a big deal. But at the worst case scenario he would trust his teenage keepers.
WHAT NEXT FOR BETTINELLI?
Chelsea still remain the owners of Marcus Bettinelli as the player is contracted with the west london outfit until atleast 2026. The fact that Chelsea have numerous options in the goalkeeping department. Almost nine members in the goalkeeping department with Spaniard Kepa Arrizabalaga and Djordje Petrovic still part of the team. So nobody expected Bettinelli to stay with such huge quality still left inside the time. The decision of others to go out a find game time left Marcus Bettinelli as the third choice keeper. The 32 year old with his most valuable experience in English football would be crucial. Especially Filip Jorgensen who recently joined the club would need such an assistance to settle down in English football.
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