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Arsenal: Full squad review – Who to keep, who to sell, and who to sign this summer

By Mahith Gamage

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 25: Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal talks to Calum Chambers and Granit Xhaka of Arsenal during the Carabao Cup Final between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on February 25, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 25: Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal talks to Calum Chambers and Granit Xhaka of Arsenal during the Carabao Cup Final between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on February 25, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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Goalkeeping has been a major issue for Arsenal in recent seasons.

Petr Cech: 36-year-old Petr Cech has been an admirable servant to Arsenal over the past few years, but it’s quite clear now that his best years are well behind him. It’s difficult for Arsenal to continue relying on him as a starter, but his experience is invaluable to the side as the only current Arsenal player to have won the Champions League. Cech is an excellent guy to have in the locker room and on the training ground, and he could prove to be a valuable backup keeper. Verdict: Keep as a backup.

David Ospina: The play of goalkeeper David Ospina in recent seasons has been a bit shaky. He was brought into the club in 2014 to replace Wojciech Szczesny for just £3 million. Ospina is neither the commanding presence in the box Arsenal require, nor the top-class keeper they need in order to take them to the next level. Ospina is a good shot stopper but is very suspect in the air and with the ball at his feet. He doesn’t quite have a place at Arsenal anymore, as he isn’t a starter and doesn’t bring heaps of experience. He should be sold this summer for anything between £6 million and £12 million. Verdict: Sell

Transfers:

A few years ago, German goalkeeper Bernd Leno was regarded as one of the best young goalkeepers on the planet. He has been with Bayer Leverkusen for 7 years now, and that title has faded. Now 26, Leno looks to be on his way out of the BayArena, with highly-rated Finnish goalkeeper, Lukas Hradecky coming in.

It is rumoured that Unai Emery is an admirer of Leno, and may look towards him to solidify Arsenal’s goalkeeping position. He may not be the De Gea or Oblak that would completely transform the Gunners, but he could be a solid and reliable keeper in the coming seasons. If his rumoured release clause of £22 million is true, Arsenal should seal the deal.

Other decent options may include Alban Lafont, or Sergio Rico. Signing any goalkeeper around this stature would improve one of Arsenal’s weakest positions.

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