Arsenal have conceded 39 goals this season, which is already more than they conceded in three of their last four seasons. Alongwith a shapeup within their defence, it would seem a new number one will be necessary at the Emirates next season.
Despite the back four not giving the goalkeeper much cover, Petr Cech must take some blame for the goals conceded and the fact that the Gunners have only kept nine clean sheets all season. The former Chelsea goalkeeper looks a shadow of his past, with his reflexes becoming slower by the day and his kicking being notably poor.
In addition to this, the back-up keeper available, David Ospina, is just as bad. Although the Colombian has spent just three years at the club, with most of his appearances being in cup competitions or due to injuries to the number one at the time, he has made several mistakes leading to goals, often angering Arsenal fans with his lack of concentration.
If Arsenal are to get rid of both Cech and Ospina in the summer, these 5 options would all be suitable options for Arsenal’s number one spot next season.
#5 Wojciech Szczesny
Very few Arsenal fans would argue that their best goalkeeper is currently on loan in Rome.
The Pole has now spent two years on loan at Roma and has put in some very impressive performances. An argument which could be made is that he has a better defence in front of him in an easier league than at Arsenal.
However, he has made more saves, kept almost double the number of clean sheets and has made many more punches and catches than the Arsenal number one Petr Cech.
Szczesny was a fan favourite at Arsenal, and worked hard to gain the number one spot from a very young age. Additionally, he is just 26 years old and still has a long future ahead of him for a goalkeeper, making him a perfect replacement for the current two goalkeepers.
There are rumours he would prefer to move if Arsene Wenger is to stay at Arsenal, but currently it looks unlikely Wenger is going to stay. Therefore, a new manager could welcome Szczesny back to the club and make the Pole Arsenal’s number one next season.
#4 Kasper Schmeichel
Kasper Schmeichel has proved over the last two seasons that he is a very accomplished goalkeeper. The Dane was part of a title winning side last year, and even though his team have struggled this year, he has been a shining light in a Premier League season to forget for Leicester.
But, Leicester have had a successful season in the Champions League and Schmeichel has been a crucial part of that run. He made a strong save to make sure Leicester got to nine points from three games, and a very important penalty save in the away leg against Sevilla.
There is absolutely no doubt Cech has proven himself on the big stage before, however at 34, Schmeichel is a better keeper than the Arsenal number one and would be a very good signing for the Gunners.
If Arsenal are playing under a new boss next season, Schmeichel would find it hard to turn down Arsenal, similarly to how his team-mate N’Golo Kante left for Chelsea this season.
#3 Jack Butland
Another Premier League goalkeeper who could replace Cech is Englishman Jack Butland.
Butland has spent this whole Premier League season on the sidelines, but this would not deter any Arsenal manager from signing the youngster. At 24 years of age, he is an extremely mature young goalkeeper and makes very few mistakes.
Unfortunately, he suffered an injury towards the end of last season on international duty with England, which hasn’t allowed him to prove his quality once again this season. Before his injury, the Englishman was pushing for a number one spot with the England side and was attracting a lot of interest.
Arsenal would also like to have more English talent within their ranks, something many people complain about. If Kieran Gibbs, Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade Chamberlain are to leave this summer, more home-grown players will be necessary for match day squads.
With his age and ability, it would be no surprise if Arsenal are desperate to sign Butland this summer, with the 24-year-old undoubtedly able to play as Arsenal’s new number one.
#2 Bernd Leno
Young German goalkeeper Bernd Leno would be an incredible signing for the Gunners if they were to gain his services from next season onwards.
Another young goalkeeper at just 25 years of age, Leno has already featured in 194 league games for Bayer Leverkusen, a huge amount of games for a very good side in the Bundesliga. He also has Champions League experience and kept a clean sheet against both home and away against Tottenham, which is enough to convince Arsenal fans he should be their new number one.
In February, it was rumoured Arsenal were interested in the German, and he seems open to a move away from Germany. “There is the desire of every player during his career to play for a top international club," he told Sport Bild as he hinted at a move this summer.
Leno has been touted as one of the best young goalkeepers in the world and would be a great signing for the Gunners.
Also Read: 5 tactical tweaks that will help Arsenal improve next season
#1 Jordan Pickford
Jordan Pickford has been one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League in the 2016/17 season. Despite his team being bottom of the Premier League and having conceded the third most goals in the league, his performances have kept his team from conceding many more.
The 23-year-old English goalkeeper has received an enormous amount of praise so far this season with many pundits claiming he will go to the very top. Arsenal are supposedly interested in Pickford along with Liverpool, Manchester City and Everton.
There is no doubt the shot stopper will be a pivotal part of the future England set up with age on his side. He has a 2.35 saves per goal ratio, better than Cech’s 2.06, suggesting he is someone who would surely improve their goals conceded per game average with that save per goal ratio.
With Arsenal rumoured to be interested in the young English goalkeeper, it will be no surprise if they capture the services of the 23-year-old this summer due to their need for a new goalkeeper.
Also Read: 5 stars Arsenal need to sell to become competitive again
