Arsenal are currently scouting multiple candidates for the goalkeeper position which is currently their number one priority in the summer transfer window. The January window has just ended and the Gunners fell victim to a shambolic and uncharacteristic error from their number one goalkeeper, Petr Cech in the 3-1 loss to Swansea City last week. The 35-year-old’s failed clearance attempt allowed Jordan Ayew to slot in an easy goal on the hour mark and give his team the lead.
As said before, it was not only uncharacteristic of him and the mishit could also be partially attributed to the severe wet conditions at Liberty Stadium on that matchday. A thorough professional and a leader from the backline, Cech is still one the key figures in the Arsenal lineup.
However, a clash with Oumar Niasse in the 5-1 win against Everton saw the Czech international limp off the pitch in the second half. Even though it did not look too bad at the time, no words have come out from the Arsenal ranks about a possible return date.
Setting the injury aside, Cech is at a stage in his career where goalkeepers, more often than not, are at their best. With all that experience paired with the final bit of athletic abilities helps them become the decisive rock that every elite team needs on the defensive end. Look at Edwin van der Sar in his Manchester United days, or Gianluigi Buffon at Juventus or Oliver Kahn with Bayern Munich.
The former Chelsea shot-stopper is pegged to be one of the greats at the grand stage of English football, but will it be at the Emirates. In the world of modern football where players are traded away at whims and fancies of almost any hierarchical profile, nobody can say for sure. Wenger has tasted the fresh waters which dictate that big-money signing wins you game. If he is looking for a replacement he can consider a few of the following options.
Jan Oblak
He is reported to be Arsenal’s primary target for the summer and his impressive performances for Atletico Madrid over the years will put a huge price tag on his back.
Jordan Pickford
Pickford plies his trade for Everton and is currently next in line to replace Joe Hart in the England squad. At just 23, he is already one of the best players in the Toffees squad.
Kevin Trapp
The German has made just 7 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain this season and is targetted by Liverpool to answer their goalkeeping problems. Trapp is far too good to be the second option for any team.
