Mikel Arteta could add David Raya competition despite Champions League heroics for Arsenal as rivals 'submit £17m bid'

Arsenal are set to make an approach for Las Palmas goalkeeper Alvaro Valles this summer, according to reports.

The 26-year-old has impressed in La Liga this season despite not playing for one of the division’s big hitters. Valles joined Las Palmas in 2019 having failed to break through the Real Betis ranks.

Since then, the shot-stopper has developed into a solid performer in Spain. Mikel Arteta likes his goalkeepers to be comfortable at the back - a key reason behind signing David Raya. 

Fans and pundits were torn last summer when the Spaniard brutally axed Aaron Ramsdale just months after missing out on the Premier League title. Arteta claims he needed “two quality players” per position but many believed Ramsdale had been unfairly treated.

Raya arrived on loan from Brentford and, after a shaky start, has justified Arteta’s decision. The goalie was the hero in midweek, saving two penalties as the Gunners beat Porto to book their Champions League quarter-final spot.

Just days earlier, Ramsdale made what almost became a costly mistake in Arsenal’s eventual 2-1 win over Brentford. The goalkeeping debate has been a thorn in Arteta’s side throughout 2023-24 but, just as he appears to have won the battle, fresh reports have emerged.

Sport Witness claim the Gunners will rival Aston Villa to sign Valles at the end of the season. The keeper has 15 months remaining on his Las Palmas contract and Las Palmas president Miguel Ángel Ramírez claimed in January a £17m bid from an English club was rejected. The club was reported to be Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest.

He is unlikely to immediately dethrone Raya but would be viewed as someone who could challenge him for the number one spot. Ramsdale is expected to be allowed to leave this summer as he seeks first-team football.