Arsenal set to make £18m bid for Sevilla goalkeeper Sergio Rico

Unai Emery is keen on signing Sergio Rico, whom he has managed during his time at Sevilla.

Arsenal has had a disappointing domestic and European season this year. The new manager Unai Emery is keen on turning the North London club’s fortunes. He has already identified the list of summer targets, and Sevilla’s goalkeeper Sergio Rico seems to be the latest addition to the list.

According to Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo, Unai Emery is keen on signing Sergio Rico. The Spanish manager has worked with the goalkeeper during his time at helm in Sevilla in 2013 and 2014 season.

Interestingly, Unai Emery gave Sergio Rico his first team debut in 2014. Rico impressed Emery and soon became first team regular for Sevilla. However, he lost his regular status in Sevilla’s first team since losing his place to David Sorria in March.

Unai Emery made his intentions clear in his first press conference after being appointed as Arsenal manager. Emery insisted that his priority is to ensure Arsenal returns to Champions League, and hence the Spaniard will be keen to make an impact for the Gunners.

Arsenal’s current goalkeeper is the 36-year old Petr Cech, who has been sloppy this season. The Gunners conceded 51 goals in this season of the Premier League. Arsenal’s second-choice keeper David Ospina has struggled with consistency and spent most of his time on the bench. Hence, their interest in Sergio Rico signifies that Unai Emery is preparing the team for future.

According to the Spanish outlet, Sevilla has already identified three goalkeepers should Sergio Rico leave in the summer. Rico’s contract with Sevilla expires in 2021, and according to reports, the goalkeeper is valued at £18m by the Spanish side.

Earlier, Arsenal have shown interest in defender Sokratis Papasthathopolous and midfielder Adrien Rabiot. The latter has played under Unai Emery during his time at Paris Saint Germain.