Arsenal Opinion: Why the Gunners should make a move for Jasper Cillessen
Back in June 2018, a report from ESPN claimed Arsenal were interested in signing Barcelona goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen.
Jasper Cillessen, 29, joined Barcelona from Ajax in 2016 but has only ever been second choice at Camp Nou as a result of failing to dislodge number one Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The Dutchman has made just 28 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona, including just 7 appearances this season.
He has mainly been used in the Copa del Rey this season and according to a report from AS, this campaign’s final against Valencia on May 25 is set to be his last game for Barcelona. If that’s the case, Arsenal should reignite their interest in Cillessen and sign him in the summer transfer window.
Arsenal signed Bernd Leno last summer and after some questionable performances from the German, he has come really good since the last couple of months. And while Leno has become Unai Emery’s first-choice goalkeeper, Petr Cech intends to retire at the end of the 2018/19 campaign.
David Ospina will also leave the club after spending this season on loan at Napoli that’ll leave the Gunners with Leno and Emiliano Martinez, who has spent the majority of his Arsenal career on loan at various lower division clubs in England. This further underlines why Emery needs a new goalkeeper to replace Cech ahead of the next season.
Cillessen should be an ideal choice for Arsenal as the 29-year-old needs to leave Barcelona to reignite his stuttering career. He is an experienced goalkeeper but never ever has come close to challenging Ter Stegen for the no.1 spot at Camp Nou. But the Dutchman will likely get a chance to stake his claim at the Emirates, with Leno still to convince on a whole.
Signing Cillessen would not only see the Gunners replace the veteran Cech but also compete with Leno. His ability to pull off breathtaking saves is among the best in Europe, and he’ll be a big asset to Emery if the Gunners manage to sign him.
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Reliable, a fine shot-stopper, comfortable in possession and bags of experience, the former Ajax man has everything to be an inspired addition for the north Londoners.
Conclusion
Without any second thoughts, Arsenal need a new goalkeeper next season. Emery just cannot rely on Leno and Martinez for the entire season if he truly wants to challenge for the title and silverware. Thus, signing Cillessen would be a step in the right direction for Arsenal and Emery must do everything possible to get a deal over the line.
