Arsenal were hot on the heels of Toulouse goalkeeper, Alban Lafont for a possible transfer in the summer but latest reports suggest that SSC Napoli are better equipped to land the 19-year-old’s services. The latter is prepared to lose Pepe Reina after this season and this would mean for Lafont to get the first team spot, something Arsenal would not be able to provide with Petr Cech still in the club.
The Gunners have seen their number one shot-stopper undergo a difficult season in between the sticks, often falling to uncharacteristic mistakes on a few occasions. His failure to clear the ball allowed Swansea City to get the lead in the away fixture earlier in the season, and eventually win by 3 goals to 1.
However, despite his shortcomings on a few occasions, the entire blame for Arsenal’s shambolic season cannot be rested on Cech alone. It was he who turned out to be the saviour when the vulnerable defence failed to hold off the opposition attacks.
At a veteran age of 35, Cech’s experience alone will carry him on for a few more years in top-flight football. However, the real question lies in whether it will be at Arsenal. While Arsene Wenger tries to scavenge some sort of integrity out of the 2017/18 season with a UEFA Europa League trophy, the Frenchman’s concerns should be prioritized over far more important issues than the goalkeeper position at the moment.
Since Lafont’s case was heavily considered, here are a few alternatives Wenger should consider ahead of the summer window.
Mile Svilar
The Benfica shot stopper holds the number 1 jersey in the Benfica team with 9 total appearances. He became the youngest goalkeeper ever to save a penalty in a Champions League match on 31 October 2017, in the return leg against Manchester United, aged 18 years and 65 days.
In the limited time, we have witnessed the Portuguese in action, Svilar has shown signs of future stardom not only in terms of his remarkable athletic abilities but professional maturity as well.
Berke Özer
The 17-year-old is dubbed to be the Turkish Donnarumma and is attracting a lot of attention from the likes of Barcelona, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund. Arsenal should take note of the youngster’s capabilities as his contract is winding down to an end after 2018/19 season.
Freddie Woodman
The U20 FIFA World Cup and the Golden Glove winner is currently proving his worth with Scottish Premiership outfit, Aberdeen. Newcastle United have been foolish enough to oversee the 21-year-old’s vast potential and the Gunners can benefit from the situation.
