Arsenal could turn their attention to Watford’s Daniel Bachmann if they fail to secure Aaron Ramsdale before the transfer window closes.
According to The Sun, Arsenal are showing an interest in Daniel Bachmann, with Watford keen on retaining their goalkeeper for the season ahead. In any case, the Hornets have placed a £15 million tag on the Austrian shot-stopper to ward off interest from the Gunners.
Arsenal’s search for a goalkeeper in this window could have taken another twist. The latest name to be linked with a move is Daniel Bachmann, who newly-promoted side Watford value at £15 million. However, the Hornets are in no rush to sell their stopper as they look forward to life in the Premier League.
Bachmann was an important member of this Watford side that gained automatic promotion to the Premier League. He kept 13 clean sheets to help the Hornets finish 2nd in the EFL Championship, while manager Xisco considers him an important player in his squad.
However, if Arsenal are serious in their interest, there could be little to stop Bachmann from joining the North Londoners. Watford also dodged interest in the Austria keeper earlier in the summer, when West Ham United knocked on their doors. The Hammers have since signed PSG stopper Alphonse Areola on loan.
Bachmann could be a fallback option to Aaron Ramsdale, who remains Arsenal’s primary target. Sheffield United have refused to budge on their valuation for the keeper. The Gunners could lodge a new bid in the coming days for the England international to test Blades’ resolve.
If an agreement cannot be reached with Sheffield United, the Gunners might turn their attention towards alternative targets, such as Bachmann. The Austrian has never played in the Premier League before, although he has vast experience playing for Watford, Kilmarnock and Stoke City in his career so far.
He has a contract that runs until 2024, and Watford are in no hurry to sell him now. Manager Xisco wants continuity with his team and is looking forward to a positive season in the Premier League. However, the club have placed a £15 million price tag on the Austrian, and Arsenal might re-think their interest.
The Gunners will certainly not look to sign Bachmann to be their first-choice keeper. If they fail to sign Ramsdale, they will view the Austrian as a deputy to Bernd Leno. The other available option at the Emirates, Runar Alex Runarsson, is likely to be moved on before the window closes.
Bachmann’s inexperience playing for a big club will be a key factor in Arsenal not pursuing the keeper with all seriousness. They are likely to lend their total focus towards acquiring Ramsdale or sign another cheaper alternative to Bachmann if they only want a backup keeper.
