Arsene Wenger will be happy with his team’s progress into the FA Cup but they still have some work to do if they are to qualify for the Champions League next season. The manager will surely be looking to improve the quality in certain places in the squad and the goal keeper’s position could be one that Wenger might have an eye on.
First choice shot-stopper at the moment for Arsenal, Petr Cech is right up there with the best in his position in the domestic league but at 34, he is not an option for the long term and Wenger will now have to start thinking about the future. David Ospina has been decent but it is hard to see Wenger trust him in the first team next season. This has seen him linked with a move for Sunderland man Jordan Pickford.
The English star is among the most exciting players in the league at the moment and has been in impeccable form for the relegation-threatened Black Cats. Sunderland are placed at the bottom of the table, with little chance for survival and are set to lose the 23-year old this summer. But is he a requirement at the Emirates this summer?
Many would argue that Wenger will have to concentrate more on the other areas in the squad but Petr Cech is not too far away from becoming a liability. Even at his age, he is one of the most reliable shot-stoppers in Europe but his reflexes will surely be on the fall as has been clear this season. He has not been as dominating as he usually is and even if he stays at the club for another year, it is hard to see Wenger use him as a first choice.
At just 21, Pickford seems to be the perfect solution to this problem at the club. Wenger will not want the youngster to walk into the first team. So, he can use Pickford as a backup for Petr Cech at the start of the season to get the Sunderland man used to the challenges at the Emirates.
Cech need not leave the club already but Arsenal need a squad overhaul this summer and it will hurt them if they do not address their issues between the sticks.
Wojciech Szczęsny does not seem to be exciting Wenger and he might make his move to Italy permanent come the end of the season. Ospina is just 28 and has is itching for first-team football and his desire to leave cannot be faulted at his age, 28, which is considered the peak for a keeper.
