Petr Cech’s transfer to Arsenal looks to be a done deal, although the Gunners are yet to confirm the deal to recruit Chelsea’s wantaway stopper.
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While the Czech Republic legend will bring a wealth of experience to the Emirates Stadium, is he the best-possible option for the North London heavyweights?
It’s worth noting that the keeper is coming off the back of a season of inactivity, and, at 33, he is unlikely to represent a long-term solution for Arsene Wenger’s side.
In this article, we present five goalkeepers who Arsenal should have considered instead of Cech.
Hugo Lloris
Naturally, this suggestion probably won’t go down too well in the other half of North London, but Hugo Lloris may just be the perfect fit for Arsenal right now.
The French number one is only 28, but he already has considerable experience, of international football, the Champions League and the EPL.
Similarly, he would surely be interested in a move, having indicated that he is looking to play in Europe’s premier club competition sooner rather than later.
Wenger has always had a penchant for signing his compatriots, and Lloris has surely piqued the interest of the Alsacian coach.
Steve Mandanda
Another Frenchman who Wenger may be inclined to take a look at is Olympique de Marseille No. 1 Steve Mandanda.
The Gunners were linked to the international—Lloris’s backup in the French setup—back in 2014, but ultimately opted for David Ospina.
OM are overseeing an exodus this summer, with the likes of Andre Ayew and Andre-Pierre Gignac having already moved elsewhere.
Mandanda has confirmed he is open to a new challenge, and while Crystal Palace may look to make a move, the Gunners should definitely considering the imposing Stade Velodrome guardsman.
Samir Handanovic
Unlike some of the other players featured here, Samir Handanovic cannot call upon reserves of Premier League experience.
However, anyone who has watched the Inter Milan keeper in action would have little doubt that he could step up to the English top flight.
The Slovenian is a superb shot-stopper, and, at 30, he is in his prime.
Asmir Begovic
Asmir Begovic, like Lloris and Cech, is another stopper who is a proven quantity in the Premier League and has already demonstrated his ability to thrive in the top flight.
The Bosnian only has one year left on his contract at Stoke, and could have been acquired for a much lower fee than Cech.
He would also be receptive to a move, with the Potters having acknowledged that he is agitating to test himself on a higher stage.
At just 28, Begovic also has his best years still ahead of him between the sticks—will Tottenham Hotspur or Manchester United ultimately secure the keeper, who could have been a great asset for Arsenal?
Alphonse Areola
In the past, the Gunners have been linked with Paris Saint-Germain’s former wonderkid stopper Alphonse Areola.
The 22-year-old, who spent last season on loan at SC Bastia, is thought to be still wanted by PSG, but he looks no closer to breaking into the first team—at least not while Salvatore Sirigu is still around.
He will spend this season on loan at Villarreal, but should Wenger not have at least considered a keeper who could be a solution for the Emirates Stadium outfit for a decade to come?
It is not unthinkable that the highly-rated stopper could enjoy a similar trajectory to Manchester United’s David De Gea.