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Arsenal transfer news: Petr Cech replacements – Six goalkeepers who could challenge Leno
PETR CECH has announced he will retire from professional football at the end of the season, but who could replace the goalkeeper at Arsenal?
Arsenal: Petr Cech will be missed says Jim White
Veteran goalkeeper Petr Cech has revealed he will retire from football at the end of the 2018/19 campaign.
The Czech stopper has has enjoyed a 20-year career, playing 15 of those in the Premier League for Chelsea and Arsenal with whom he won a combined total of 18 major trophies.
The 36-year-old lost his first-team place at the Emirates last summer after the arrival of Bernd Leno from Bayer Leverkusen, featuring just seven times in the Premier League this season.
And now the Gunners are on the hunt for a replacement stopper as they prepare for life without Cech, but who could Unai Emery choose?
David Ospina
Ospina is currently on loan at Napoli after becoming third choice at the Emirates following Bernd Leno’s summer arrival.
The Colombian had been expected to leave at the end of the season, with Napoli thought to have an option to make his current switch permanent, although Arsenal may be tempted to recall the 30-year-old following Cech’s retirement announcement.
Emiliano Martinez
Martinez has been loaned out five times during his Arsenal career but was convinced to stay at the club after discussions with manager Emery in the summer.
The 26-year-old has trained with the first-team squad all season but has played just one competitive match and is linked with a move to Leeds.
Now would be the ideal time for Martinez to step up into the role of back-up behind Leno, although Emery may wish for more competition for the No 1 spot.
Jack Butland
The England international was linked wth a move to Arsenal last summer before the club opted to sign Leno.
Butland is still at Stoke despite their relegation to the Championship and would likely relish a return to the top flight with the Potters currently 15th in the league.
One of the few goalkeepers around who would be available and could directly challenge for a starting place at the Emirates.
Gabriel Brazao
Arsenal have been linked with the 19-year-old Cruzeiro stopper, although Manchester United, Inter Milan and Roma are also said to be interested.
The Brazilian has been identified as a long-term successor to Cech and is thought to cost around £3million.
Radoslaw Majeck
Arsenal have reportedly scouted Majeck while the 19-year-old was on Poland U20 duty, although any January deal would probably be followed by an immediate loan back to Legia Warsaw.
However, the youngster could then move in the summer when Cech hangs up his gloves for good.
Fraser Forster
The towering goalkeeper has been out of favour at Southampton and is not considered in new manager Ralph Hasenhuttl’s plans.
Forster has bags of experience and would be a reliable back-up to Leno, although Leeds are the frontrunners for his signature.