Last month, we reported that Arsenal and Aston Villa were interested in signing Egyptian goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy from Al Ahly, but now a new team has emerged in the race for the shot-stopper.
We can exclusively reveal that Turkish side Trabzonspor are interested in the 30-year-old and could rival Arsenal for his signature. We can also reveal that Liverpool made an enquiry for the goalkeeper but it seems like a move to Anfield has now been ruled out after the Reds signed former West Ham ‘keeper Adrian on a free transfer.
Arsenal are said to be looking for an experienced backup goalkeeper after the retirement of Petr Cech and El Shenawy is under consideration and they’ve had initial conversations about a possible move.
However, Trabzonspor have also shown an interest and the player would be happy to move to Turkey as his chances of being a starter there would be greater than they would be at The Emirates with Bernd Leno the clear number one.
Read Arsenal Verdict
El Shenawy is a very good goalkeeper and spending the asking price of around £3.5m would prove to be very good business for the Gunners, who need funds to address other areas. The worry is that Trabzonspor might be able to offer him first-team football and aged 30, that will likely appeal to the goalkeeper.
Not many Gunners’ fans will lose sleep if the club misses out on El Shenawy but if they do get him, I think he’d be a very good backup to Leno.
