Top 3 goalkeeper targets for Unai Emery at Arsenal

Arsenal's defensive restructuring under new manager Unai Emery is finally taking shape. Stephen Lichtsteiner has already been signed on a free and if rumors are to be believed, Greek defender, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, will soon be announced as an Arsenal player.

Another aspect of Arsenal's defense that needs some introspection is the goalkeeping position. Arsenal has a long history of erroneous goalies, ranging from the entertaining Manuel Almunia to the ageing Petr Čech.

The Premier League stalwart has been handed the number one jersey for next season, but the Czech Republic goal keeper has spoken against Arsenal's policy of rotating 'keepers between competitions. David Ospina almost made a move away from the club last summer and looks set to be making a move away from Arsenal this summer.

Arsenal conceded a whopping 51 goals in the Premier League last season. The highest amount of goals conceded within the top four is 38 goals, by fourth placed Liverpool. Arsenal have to tighten up at the back and that may be why Emery is on the lookout for goalkeepers in this summer transfer window.

Here's a look at three potential goalkeepers the Gunners could target to strengthen their defense and help them make a push for top 4.

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#1 Alban Lafont

Lafont is a self-professed Arsenal fan

Alan Lafont is a 19-year old goalkeeper who plays for Toulouse in the French leauge. The teenager is a self-professed Arsenal fan. He is also looking to make a move away from the French club after three seasons with them.

He is very young, but is also experienced, having made his club debut at the age of 16. Lafont has amassed 98 appearances for Toulouse and has managed to keep 35 clean sheets across all competitions.

He has always been on Arsenal's radar as a potential long-term successor for Petr Cech. He had also attracted the attention of Crystal Palace, which might die down as they have signed Vicente Guaita on a free transfer from Getafe.

Lafont would definitely be a shrewd long-term signing for Arsenal. He could definitely be a back-up for Cech, instead of Ospina who could be sold after the World Cup, but Lafont, as a signing, will not excite the fans, as he is not a player who can steady the Arsenal defense, at least not this season.

#2 Sergio Rico

Emery is eager to be reunited with Sevilla goalkeeper Sergio Rico

Unai Emery's favorite goalkeeper target is the Sevilla goalie, Sergio Rico. Sergio Rico is a 24 year old Spanish goalkeeper who has spent the last four seasons as Sevilla's number one.

Emery is said to be extremely interested in being reunited with Rico, whom he had managed at Sevilla. Rico is a young and talented goalkeeper and if signed, might displace Čech from the starting 11. Despite interest from the Arsenal camp, Sevilla are yet to stamp a price tag on Sergio Rico.

Arsenal might do well to bring the Spaniard, who managed to keep 13 clean sheets in 40 appearances across all competitions last season, to North London. Given his age, quality and experience, however, the price might just steer Arsenal away.

#3 Bernd Leno

Leno is available for a price of £22 million

Bernd Leno is Arsenal head scout Sven Mislintat's top goalkeeper target. Emery seems to love the idea of Leno at Arsenal as well. Arsenal will have to work diligently to bring the 26-year old German goalkeeper to North London, as the price for his quality will definitely attract other suitors. Liverpool are said to be another potential suitor for the German's signature.

Leno has made 233 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen and is a very reliable man between the sticks. Leno managed to keep 12 clean sheets in 38 appearances across all competitions last season.

After spending seven seasons at Bayer, the German seems to be keen on a move. Leverkusen have already signed a replacement in Lukáš Hrádecký and are looking to sell Leno for a price of £22 million. Leno can easily walk into Arsenal's starting lineup and might just be the player to steady the shaky Arsenal defense.

Let's hope Arsenal don't wait too long to obtain the German's signature.