Arsenal completed the signing of German goalkeeper Bernd Leno yesterday for £19.3m and there’s been a mixed opinion on the former Leverkusen man. While a majority of the football world believes Leno is a quality stopper, there’s no denying that the 26-year-old is error-prone.
He has made some costly errors in the past and that raises the question as to whether Emery should have gone for a different player. Surely, the Arsenal new signing is a talented lad, but here are 3 reliable alternatives Unai Emery could have considered.
Jack Butland (Stoke City)
The Stoke City goalkeeper has long been scouted by a number of clubs since his impressive displays for the Potters. The Potters finished 19th in the league last season and have been relegated Championship, meaning Butland could be looking to make a move back to the Premier League.
Given that the player has Premier League experience, he would have been a great addition for the Gunners. Butland made 35 appearances last season, keeping a total of 6 clean sheets. The English goalkeeper made 144 saves in the league last season, often coming to the Potters’ rescue. Although Stoke conceded 61 goals, that was largely due to the defence.
Lukasz Fabianski (Swansea City)
A former Arsenal goalkeeper, Fabianski spent 7 years with the Gunners but was largely restricted to the bench. He made a total of just 32 appearances across that period. The Polish goalkeeper then made a move to Swansea City and has gone to make a name for himself in the Premier League.
Swansea occupied the final relegation spot at the end of the league season, meaning they will compete in the Championship next season. Fabianski could have been ideal for his former club and he is also great at saving spot kicks.
Currently at the peak of his career, the goalkeeper could have moved back to the Emirates and shown the club what he’s made of.
Jasper Cillessen (FC Barcelona)
The Dutch goalkeeper made the move from Ajax to Barcelona in 2016 but has made a total of only 2 appearances. Marc-Andre Ter Stegen has proven to be brilliant and it is tough to replace him in goal. The lack of playing minutes have led to reports suggesting that the keeper could be looking to make a move.
Thus, Emery could have considered signing the Dutch shot-stopper for a lower fee. Cillessen’s reflexes are exceptional and he can handle the ball extremely well. The goalkeeper is also great with his feet. The Gunners could have taken a gamble to go for the player.
