Arsenal have confirmed that Deyan Iliev has signed a contract extension at the club.
The 23-year-old Macedonian, who moved to the Emirates in 2012 and last signed a new deal three years ago, is yet to make a first team appearance.
His time as a Gunner has been ravaged by injury, he endured four operations in the space of three years at one point, however, there have been signs of improvement and he seems up for challenging those above him.
“It’s a very big moment for me,” he told Arsenal Player.
“I came here as a very young boy and to stay here and get the chance to work with this amazing club and the amazing people here, it’s of course a big thing for me.
“It’s a boost of confidence for me. I’ve had tough years behind me. now that I’m playing, I’ve boosted my confidence and I believe I can make it at the top.
“I was injured for three years. That was a tough time for me, when everything was going not in the right direction. I had four operations. I’ve managed to come back, it’s made me stronger, more mature and I know my body well. I’m looking forward to starting again with the new manager and the new people.
“It could be a big season. Everybody starts from zero and has to show the manager how good they are and prove it. I’ll do my best to be the number one.”
Iliev has a big challenge on his hands given the myriad options between the sticks at Unai Emery’s disposal. By our reckoning, he’s sixth in the pecking order.
Petr Cech, now with the number 1 shirt, seems intent on sticking around. The club have splashed out big money on Bernd Leno who’ll certainly challenge the veteran Czech.
David Ospina could be on his way out, although his agent has admitted that it would have to be a very good offer to tempt the Colombian away.
Emiliano Martinez is back at London Colney after his loan spell with Getafe. The 25-year-old has previously enjoyed time at Wolves and is at an age when he needs regular football.
Matt Macey made his first team debut last season and appears to have seen off the challenge of Ryan Huddart and Hugo Keto who were both released recently. The Academy sides can also call on Portuguese Joao Virginia.
With so many keepers, I don’t think it make any sense for Arsenal or him. Let’s hope it’s the right choice for both parties.
We aren’t short of keepers. Shame we can only play one at a time.
I’ve heard that Mourinho is asking for a change of rule so he can play 2 or 3 at the same time.
Mourinhos initial proposal was 5 goalkeepers with the bus behind ’em. Trimmed it down to 2 after that was rejected
To be fair he already has De Gea who at times is as good as having 2 or 3 keepers in there. I’m still not over that performance at the Emirates earlier this year, WTF was that!!
Whatever happens to Ospina, this must mean that Martinez will be leaving
We’ve got too many inexperienced yet older keepers. I know goalkeepers develop later but a 23 year old who hasn’t played, Martinez is 25 And has barely played. Matt Macey is 23 too
Whats that? Sign him up, loan him out, sell him on? Sounds like a business deal
I suspect ospina and Martinez will be sold putting Iliev in a batter for third choice with Macey. Could be Cech’s last season so a good yeah for him could see him as number 2 next year. A lot to prove in the meantime though….
Sounds like a sticky situation, although I could just be talking a lot of waffle.
Gutted keto left lol I had pink panther style images pop up in my head ?
Not now Keto!
“he endured four operations in the space of three years at one point” – And here I thought me having a bad liver was bad.. Damn you moonshine!
Cech & Ospina maybe shipped out. Don’t see us keeping 5 first team keepers