Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal may miss out on Champions League football next season but they are sure to make some wholesale changes to the squad this summer. They are looking to improve a number of positions in the squad and the latest name linked with a move to the club is Jack Butland.
The current first choice for Stoke City in the Premier League, Butland is one of the most experienced goalkeepers in England, even at just 24 years of age. Having played at seven different English clubs before sticking with Stoke, Butland has also represented England in all their junior levels, before making a couple of senior appearances as well.
And according to reports today, Arsenal along with Chelsea and Manchester City are interested in his signature this summer. At just 24, he is a long term option and is a player who can walk into the first team of most clubs, so should Arsenal spend on Butland this summer?
David Ospina and Wojciech Szczęsny are the two backups for Petr Cech in the squad at Arsenal at the moment. While Ospina may yet stay at the club, Szczęsny is already looking to manufacture a permanent deal out of the club and will not be an option for Wegner. Cech, the first choice this season, has been in decent form but has had his weak moments and Wenger is adamant that he needs to replace him this summer.
And Butland is reportedly the first choice for the Gunners. Having failed to keep himself fit this season, the English shot-stopper has made just four PL appearances, has conceded an astonishing eight goals but has also kept a clean sheet. He is highly regarded in the echelons of English football and signing him up will represent a business for the future for Arsenal.
An excellent shot stopper with reflexes of the highest order, Butland is a decent handler of the ball and is an aggressive keeper who loves to dominate his box. His willingness to leave his line to act as the last line of defence has come back to bite him in the past but as he gathers more experience, he will learn to draw the line. He is termed inconsistent but that will also improve with time.
He is not a ball playing goalkeeper but is more than adept at helping his side set up attacks from the back. He is also decent in finding his man with the long ball and Arsenal will want to add this dynamism to their game if they spend on Butland.
With Chelsea and Manchester City also desperate for shot-stoppers, Arsenal will have to work quickly to land the Stoke star but do you think he and his injury history belong at the Emirates?
