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Arsenal plot move for Toulouse star to replace 35-year-old

By mac14 on July 8, 2017

According to reports in France via the Daily Star, Arsenal have identified Toulouse goalkeeper Alban Lafont as a potential long-term replacement for Petr Cech.

Our current number one enjoyed an excellent end to last season but the 35-year-old has been showing his age at times so understandably Arsene Wenger is now planning ahead for the future.

Many Arsenal fans think we already have the perfect replacement on the books in Wojciech Szczesny but the Polish international is almost certain to leave the club this summer.

Szczesny has spent two superb years out on loan with AS Roma after losing his place to Cech but a permanent switch to Serie A champions Juventus is on the cards.

Last seasons number two, David Ospina, is also being tipped to leave the Emirates in search of regular first team football so Wenger is expected to bring in another goalkeeper this summer.

The Daily Star are now citing a report from Le 10 Sport that says Wenger is eyeing a move for Lafont after identifying the Toulouse youngster as a potential long-term replacement for Cech.

Lafont is just 18-years-old but he’s already racked up 60 appearances for Toulouse and is tipped to become a senior French international having already represented his country at youth level.

However, he isn’t the only French keeper we’re keeping an eye on as the report says Wenger is also showing an interest in St-Etienne stopper Stephane Ruffier.

The 30-year-old is far more experienced than Lafont having made over 300 Ligue appearances throughout his career while he’s also represented France three times.

Ruffier would therefore be seen as the ‘safer’ pair of hands in the short term and would be a solid replacement for Ospina, however, Wenger may chose to take a risk on Lafont knowing he could learn the ropes from Cech next season and be our keeper for the next decade.