The top goalkeeper news stories from February 8th to February 15th 2026.
19 year old goalkeeper makes Arsenal home debut
In the dying minutes of Arsenal's FA Cup win over Wigan Athletic, Mikel Arteta decided to substitute goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga for 19 year old Tommy Setford. Setford helped the Gunners see out their 4-0 win, in the process making his home debut at the Emirates. He had made his full debut for Arsenal in October 2024 away at Preston in the Carabao Cup, after signing from the Ajax academy in July 2024.
Marco Bizot sees red in the FA Cup
Yesterday, Newcastle travelled to Birmingham to face Aston Villa in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Villa were 1-0 up with not long left on the first half clock, before their goalkeeper, Marco Bizot, committed a reckless foul on Jacob Murphy near the halfway line which left the referee with no choice but to show red to the Dutchman. Fortunately for the Toon, that one man advantage helped them in the second half as they ultimately won 3-1, marking their second win in eleven visits to Villa Park.
Bayern Munich eyeing up move for Premier League goalkeeper
Bayern Munich are reported to be interested in Brighton goalkeeper, Bart Verbruggen. Their current number one, Manuel Neuer, suffered an injury in their most recent game and the timeline for his return is not expected to be before the four week mark. Obviously, a deal for Verbruggen can’t be completed until the summer but with Neuer coming to the end of his career, the move doesn't look like an impossibility.
Robin Risser keeps clean sheet as Lens take control of title race
On Friday, PSG lost 3-1 to Rennes giving Lens the opportunity to go top of Ligue 1 if they beat Paris FC. Lens were absolutely phenomenal as they beat the Paris side 5-0, with Robin Risser keeping a clean sheet and making six saves. That was Risser’s ninth clean sheet in the league so far this season as he continues to play a huge role in his sides title charge.
Lucas Perri bottle trick helps send Leeds through to fifth round
Leeds fourth round FA Cup tie against Birmingham City went all the way with the lunchtime kick off ending in a penalty shootout. Leeds tucked away all their penalties, but goalkeeper Lucas Perri was equally up to the mark. With likely shot locations listed on a piece of paper stuck to his water bottle, the Brazilian denied Tommy Doyle before Sean Longstaff scored the winning penalty for Leeds. It was a great moment for Perri who has lacked regular minutes in recent weeks.
James Trafford admits frustration at lack of minutes
James Trafford, who has lacked consistent game time since the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma has been continuing to impress in cup competitions. He kept another clean sheet in Man City’s 2-0 win over Salford on the weekend, but admitted in a post-match interview that his playing time wasn't what he ‘expected’ coming into the season and had been trying to ‘guard against this situation happening.’
