The only position in the Arsenal squad, which has remained unaffected from injuries and suspensions so far this season is under the bar. The Gunners hugely owe their 17-game unbeaten feat to their goalies. Wenger’s ploy to compartmentalise their goalkeepers according to the tournaments has been prolific so far.
However, with Petr Cech slowly nearing his retirement, Wenger had to look for an alternative who could potentially replace the Czech international’s position, when the time comes. And as per reports, Arsenal have already identified his replacement in Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
The 23-year-old stopper has made 81 appearances for Atletico since making his debut for the La Liga giants back in 2014 but has consistently been linked with a move to the Premier League in the recent past. The Slovenian international has established himself as one of the finest shot-stoppers in European football and has a host of elite clubs monitoring his situation.
However, since the departure of Courtois, Atletico had struggled to find a right replacement in that position and Diego Simeone is highly unlikely to listen to any offer for him at the moment. Oblak also has a £85million release clause in his contract at the Calderon and Arsenal, who are infamous for their cheapskate behaviour during the transfer windows, will never pay such an amount for the Slovenian.
Apart from Arsenal, Manchester United are also keeping tabs on Oblak and with David De Gea’s move to Real Madrid looking almost imminent next summer, they might possibly splash the cash.
Apparently, Arsene Wenger is a fan of Oblak and has made an approach to Atletico on a number of occasions. Oblak will evaluate his options at the end of the season but is likely to stay at Vicente Calderon for the foreseeable future.
Petr Cech has atleast two good seasons on his hands and Wenger doesn’t trust David Ospina to have the focus a goalkeeper should retain for an entire season in the Premier League. Oblak is the only Atletico player to start all 13 league games this season for Simeone, the latest of which was a 3-0 win at Osasuna in which Oblak saved an early penalty.
Oblak’s reflexes are incredible and he has shown time and again his prowess to keep out close range shots. The only thing he needs to work on is his ball distribution, which is quintessential in English football. Oblak might just be the ideal replacement for Cech in the long run.
