Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are reportedly ready to battle it out for the services of 20-year-old Aston Villa youth star Oliwier Zych.
Oliwier Zych has made quite a name for himself with his impressive performances for Aston Villa at the youth level, and there seems to be no shortage of interest in his services. According to a report from The Daily Telegraph, Arsenal are one of the clubs keen on signing the Polish shot-stopper as they look to add more depth in the goalkeeping position.
Zych joined the Aston Villa youth ranks back in 2020, and he has only gone from strength to strength since. He has been a consistent performer for their Under-21 team and also did wonders for them in the Football League Trophy.
While the youngster surely has a bright future ahead, he has less than a year left on his deal with Aston Villa. He could part ways with the club ahead of the 2025/26 season. Multiple top clubs are aware of the situation, and they could look to strike a pre-agreement to secure his services.
Aston Villa will receive compensation set by the tribunal in such a situation, but their priority will be to try and extend his stay at the club. But, with 24-year-old Joe Gauci serving as the backup to Emiliano Martínez, Zych doesn’t really have a bright future at the club. A move away could fastrack his route to first-team football.
Arsenal see Zych as an ideal backup for David Raya
Arsenal are on the lookout for a backup shot-stopper after parting ways with Aaron Ramsdale. While they did bring in Neto from Bournemouth on a season-long loan, he is a short-term fix and Arteta is assessing the market for an ideal backup who can help them in the long run.
Zych’s potential suggests he could be an ideal cover for the time being and eventually challenge for a place in the starting XI. While 16-year-old Jack Porter became Arsenal’s youngest player in their EFL Cup win over Bolton Wanderers, he still has a long way to go. As a result, they are interested in signing Zych next summer.
The Gunners won’t find it easy to sign him as Aston Villa will try to keep hold of the young shot-stopper, and other interested clubs will make things complicated. Brighton are one of the Premier League clubs who could challenge the North London club. The Seagulls are interested in the young goalkeeper. Arsenal have been monitoring him and are considering making a move.
