Arsenal and Brighton interested in Aston Villa’s Oliwier Zych – here is why

Highly regarded goalkeeper will be in demand next summer as Londoners and south-coast side consider swoop

Aston Villa goalkeeper Oliwier Zych has been tracked by Arsenal and Brighton ahead of competition among Premier League clubs to secure back-up cover.
Zych, 20, has been called up to the senior Poland squad on the back of his eye-catching performances for Villa’s Under-21 side, which have also led to Arsenal and Brighton scouting him and weighing up a move in future transfer windows.
Villa have also fielded Zych in the Football League Trophy where he has impressed in the senior competition against Fleetwood and Bolton.
Zych has less than a year left on his current terms and there have been enquiries over his situation ahead of the 2025-26 season when he is expected to be one of the sought-after young goalkeepers.
Clubs can look to sign players out of contract next summer on a pre-contract and their current teams would receive compensation set by a tribunal.
Unai Emery is currently using Australia international Joe Gauci on the bench as back-up to No 1 Emiliano Martinez, with the 24-year-old arriving last season from Adelaide United and playing in the EFL Cup this season.
Arsenal moved for Neto from Bournemouth in the last window, with the 35-year-old arriving at the Emirates Stadium on a season-long loan as back-up to established first-choice keeper David Raya.
Clearly, the Brazilian is a short-term signing for Mikel Arteta and he is assessing options for a long-term No 2 now Aaron Ramsdale has moved to Southampton.
Jack Porter was selected for the EFL Cup win against Bolton Wanderers and at 16 became the youngest Arsenal player. 
He is still seen as one for the future and plays for England Under-17s, while Zych is among the young keepers who could be a regular back-up at the moment.
Similarly, Brighton have started Bart Verbruggen in seven of their Premier League matches and also have Jason Steele, 34, in their goalkeeping ranks.
Not so long ago there was a trend for clubs to have two No 1s fighting it out for the starting place each week. Dean Henderson spoke about this while on international duty, insisting the model does not work. He and David De Gea were battling it out at Manchester United and it was the same at Crystal Palace last season with Sam Johnstone.
“I don’t think it helped any of us to be honest,” he said. “I think we’ve seen it across the board in many different clubs. I was in a scenario with Man United when it was the same and it just doesn’t really help anyone.
“I always thought it would, but it never does. And I think if we’re both honest about it, we’d probably both say exactly the same thing. 
“So I’m delighted for Sam with his move. He’s got a great move there [to Wolves] and I’m sure he’ll do really well. And I wish him all the best.”