Arsenal have enquired about West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, with West Ham United having a bid rejected for him.

The Athletic report that West Bromwich Albion have rejected a bid from West Ham United for Sam Johnstone. West Brom want a fee well in excess of £10m, and West Ham offered a figure considerably below £10m, so there was never much hope of a deal.

West Ham are moving on to Alphonse Areola, opening the door for other clubs to pursue Johnstone. David Ornstein reports that Arsenal have enquired for the goalkeeper as an alternative option to Sheffield United’s Aaron Ramsdale.

Spurs are also in the mix, monitoring Johnstone as a possible replacement for Hugo Lloris next summer.

Johnstone only has a contract with his current club until 2022, so you can understand why West Ham are unwilling to meet West Brom’s valuation, and Arsenal might be similarly reluctant.

But it’s arguably a bit strange that Arsenal aren’t prioritising Johnstone over Ramsdale. His statistics are better, he’s cheaper, and he’s ahead in the England pecking order, with Ramsdale only making the Euro 2020 squad after Dean Henderson pulled out.

The one thing Ramsdale has on his side is youth, at 23, as Johnstone is 28. But 28 isn’t old for a goalkeeper. We can only hope Arsenal know what they’re doing on this one.