Arsenal have confirmed that goalkeeper, Dejan Iliev, has joined Shrewsbury Town on loan.

Yes, that’s right, Arsenal, with barely a goalkeeper to their name, have sent Dejan Iliev on loan until January.

The 25-year-old signed for Arsenal in 2012 and has yet to make an appearance for the senior team. Given the club let Emi Martinez leave and brought in Runar Runarsson, it looks like they are putting a lot of faith in the younger keepers at the club. At least until they can get their hands on David Raya, new deal or not.

Iliev has two years on his Arsenal contract so the club are perhaps hoping a loan spell will help showcase his talents to help seal a move away.

Shrewsbury boss Sam Ricketts said, “Deyan has been at Arsenal for a number of years. He’s also made his way up the age groups with Macedonia as well – he’s got good pedigree.

“He’s been out on loan in Poland and Slovakia so he is someone we are delighted to get. He brings more competition for the goalkeeping spaces. With Matty getting injured, it left us light.

“We were keen to get another goalkeeper in and we are looking forward to working with him and working together.”

Arsenal said, “The 25 year-old goalkeeper recently returned from a loan spell at Polish top division side Jagiellonia Bialystok. Last season Deyan signed a new deal in July 2019 before spending time on loan in Slovakia with Super Liga side SKF Sered.

“Deyan has represented North Macedonia at every youth level, and he has been with us for eight seasons since he joined us in 2012 from FK Belasica. His hard work has seen him develop through the Arsenal Academy, where he made regular appearances and Captained our U23s squad in the Premier League 2 before his loan spells.

“Everyone at Arsenal wishes Deyan all the best for his time at Shrewsbury Town.”

This is Iliev’s third loan. He made 18 appearances for SKF Sered and four for Jagiellonia Bialystok.