This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...
Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, according to The Daily Star.
It is claimed that Johnstone could be available for a fee in the region of £20million, which is £5million cheaper than what Sheffield United are demanding from the Gunners for Aaron Ramsdale.
Johnstone made 37 appearances in all competitions for West Brom last season, and kept six clean sheets, although his efforts weren't quite enough to see the Baggies avoid relegation into the Championship.
The shot-stopper is currently on international duty with England, who recently booked their spot in the semi-final of the European Championships after a win over Ukraine.
Arsenal are in the market to sign a goalkeeper to challenge Bernd Leno for his starting spot ahead of next year's league campaign, which is set to get underway on Friday 13th August against newly-promoted Brentford.
We ask our Football League World writers what they take of Arsenal's rumoured interest in signing Johnstone this summer, and whether he'd be a good addition to the Gunners' team or not.
Phil Spencer:
I think that this could be a great signing for Arsenal.
While things didn't exactly go to plan for West Bromwich Albion last term there's no doubt that Sam Johnstone emerged with real credit.
Being named in England's Euro 2020 squad was a big boost, and being honest, he's probably too good to be playing in the Championship.
Arsenal are looking to rebuild with an eye on the future and I think that Johnstone could be a really smart addition with the present and the future in mind.
Providing that they can meet the Baggies' asking price there's no doubt that he could make a big impact on Mikel Arteta's side.
George Harbey:
I’d be a big fan of this signing.
I actually really rate Johnstone as a goalkeeper. His shot-stopping is excellent and he always seems to command his own area really well.
I think a move away from West Brom is probably destined this summer, as for me, he deserves to stay in the Premier League and play for a top-flight club.
Arsenal need a goalkeeper to provide competition for Bernd Leno, but for me, he’d want regular football and I’m not sure they’d give him that whilst Leno is still there.
He needs to weigh up his options carefully and shouldn’t pick Arsenal just because of the size of the club.
Jordan Rushworth:
Sam Johnstone would be an excellent option for Arsenal to sign this summer and you could see him being a reliable option for them to call upon needed. However, he is not a player that will see himself as just a backup option to Bernd Leno and he would be going to the Emirates with the ambition of challenging for their number one spot.
Losing him would be a huge blow for West Brom and their hopes of earning promotion once again next season. However, after being part of the England squad for the Euros he will be aiming to play at the highest level possible so that he can force his way into the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
He managed to show that he is a goalkeeper that is capable of performing consistently in the Premier League with his performances for West Brom last term. Johnstone is one of the Baggies’ most sellable assets and they might therefore have to sell him following their relegation if they get a good enough offer.
The keeper would be a perfect option for Arsenal to sign and there would be few better options out there for them this summer to provide back-up for Leno.