Leeds United are reportedly considering a summer move for Newcastle United goalkeeper Freddie Woodman, who is also a target for Arsenal.
According to a report by Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds United have reignited their interest in Freddie Woodman as they search for a new backup for Illan Meslier. The 24-year-old Newcastle United goalkeeper is also the subject of interest from Arsenal over a move in the summer transfer window.
Freddie Woodman progressed through the ranks at Crystal Palace but chose to finish his footballing education at Newcastle United, having joined the Magpies in 2013. The following year, he graduated to the first-team setup, although he is yet to enjoy a proper breakthrough with the main squad so far.
Instead, the Englishman has been sent out on five different loan spells, with the most recent stint – a two-year stay at Swansea City – seeing him make quite an impression. In 95 appearances for the Swans, Woodman kept 34 clean sheets, with his progress attracting Leeds United and Arsenal, among others.
Leeds United have largely focused their attention in the transfer market this summer on bolstering their midfield and attack, with the latest rumours heavily linking Nahitan Nandez with the Whites. The goalkeeping department, though, has now become an area that needs to be reinforced following Kiko Casilla’s season-long loan move to Elche.
With the former Real Madrid goalkeeper likely to leave Leeds permanently next summer, signing a permanent replacement is a prudent move, making Woodman a viable target. Arsenal, on the other hand, need to fill the void left by the departure of Mat Ryan, who has joined Real Sociedad this summer.
With Runar Alex Runarsson failing to make an impression upon his arrival last summer, the Gunners have been keen on signing a solid backup for Bernd Leno, who was himself briefly linked with a possible summer exit. To that end, Woodman is one of the options identified by Arsenal to bolster their goalkeeping department this summer.
However, the entry of Leeds into the picture complicates matters for Arsenal, with the West Yorkshire club keen on landing a goalkeeper before their pre-season fixtures begin. As far as Woodman himself is concerned, his prospects are unlikely to improve at either Premier League outfit and he would be better served joining Swansea permanently, although it remains to be seen if Leeds or Arsenal can land him this summer.