Arsenal’s pursuit of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ goalkeeper Dan Bentley has hit an early snag as their initial bid of £50,000 was swiftly turned down by Wolves.
The news, initially reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic, indicates that Arsenal sees Bentley as a valuable backup option for their current goalkeepers, David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale. However, the offer falls significantly short of Wolves’ valuation of around £1 million.
Bentley, who joined Wolves in 2023, has a contract that runs out in a year. Given this, Arsenal had anticipated a lower fee might be acceptable. Wolves, however, are looking to secure sufficient funds from any sale to facilitate acquiring a replacement, a factor that is clearly influencing their firm stance on the price.
Simon Collings of The Standard corroborated the details of the bid and its rejection, emphasizing the gap between what Arsenal offered and what Wolves expect. The initial offer, deemed quite low, was likely influenced by Bentley’s previous transfer fee to Wolves and his contract situation.
Bentley, a homegrown talent with Arsenal roots, spent his formative years at the club from 2001 to 2008 before moving on to Southend United and eventually rising through the ranks at Brentford and Bristol City. His return to the Premier League with Wolves has been marked by limited appearances, featuring five times last season.
The 30-year-old’s homegrown status and experience in both Championship and Premier League football make him an appealing target for Arsenal as they seek to bolster their goalkeeping options without a significant financial outlay.
The situation now hinges on whether Arsenal can negotiate a deal closer to Wolves’ valuation or if they will look elsewhere for a suitable candidate.
