Arsenal have been quiet this summer when it comes to signing new players compared to previous windows.
The Gunners have made just the one signing at the time of writing in Riccardo Calafiori, with Arsenal closing in on a deal to sign Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad having chased the midfielder for the past month.
With Eddie Nketiah also set to join Nottingham Forest, things are starting to pick up for Arsenal in the final nine days of the transfer window, where a few more players could leave north London if the right offers are made.
Yet Arsenal now set to miss out on a transfer target to Southampton, of all teams.
Southampton close to signing Arsenal target Justin Bijlow
According to De Telegraaf, Southampton are set to sign Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow, who as per the report was one the radar for Arsenal as a potential replacement for Aaron Ramsdale.
Noted by the Athletic as an ‘aggressive shot-stopper’, the £21m-rated Dutch international has been rumoured with a move all summer, with Arsenal viewed as the most likely side to sign Bijlow given the Feyenoord star’s style of play.
However, it is Southampton who have won the race for Bijlow’s signature, with the Saints set to make a massive statement in the market with the capture of the 26-year-old Netherlands goalkeeper.
Indeed, Bijlow is considered one of the best shot-stoppers in Europe outside the major top-five leagues, and Southampton landing the Feyenoord man could be huge for Russell Martin in his bid to avoid the drop this season.
Bijlow signing could change everything about the relegation battle
With the new Premier League season here, Southampton have been tipped by many as an easy pick to go down this year, with the Saints yet to really convince fans that they have what it takes to stay up.
Yet the signing of Bijlow could change everything, with the 26-year-old goalkeeper an impressive coup for Southampton and a huge boost to their chances of achieving Premier League survival this season.
Whilst a few more signings could be needed, Bijlow is a fantastic swoop for the Saints, and Arsenal will now need to look elsewhere for a potential replacement for Ramsdale this month.
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