Arsenal are set to sign Bundesliga second division prospect and Germany u21 star Markus Schubert, according to BILD.
Arsenal are preparing for the retirement of Petr Cech and a backup keeper has been an ignored necessity. Though Emiliano Martinez is set to return from his excellent loan spell at Reading, that leaves 17-year-old Arthur Okonkwo as the only man to step in if either get injured or suspended. Moreover, with Deyan Iliev’s contract about to expire, Unai Emery is left with limited options.
Markus Schubert plays for Dresden of the German second division and is said to be definitely leaving the club, despite refusing to make a comment when quizzed about the situation. The youngster became the first-choice goalkeeper at the German outfit at a young age, making 42 appearances and maintaining a healthy 12 cleansheets along the way.
Additionally, the 20-year-old has also been a regular for the Germany national team up to the under-21s, clearly making him a well known and recognised in Germany.
However, despite a move to England potentially being career-changing, it is to be seen weather the German would be ready to become a third-choice keeper. It is very unlikely that Bernd Leno gets displaced by Markus Schubert, but Martinez and him can have a healthy competition for those cup games. Although, the Argentine has insisted he’s looking for first-team roles.
Markus #Schubert zum FC #Arsenal? Das wäre natürlich ein Kracher. Oder ist das alles nur heiße Luft? Ich bin gespannt. #sgd1953 #Gunners https://t.co/m9ha8ZAguS
— Bananenflanke (@dirk_adam) May 20, 2019
The Dresden keeper will be available to Emery on a free making their lives under a financial restriction very, very easy. Moreover, a free transfer is risk-free and does not involve any high cost ordeals.
Cech’s departure is certain and leaves the Emirates outfit with a gaping hole of experience and leadership. It is now up to Leno to mentor academy keepers and young goalkeeper who may be signed up in the future.
The transfer window opened days ago and most clubs have already started engaging in advanced negotiations. Arsenal have to move quickly if they wish to prize such a prospect away, especially when he’s available for absolutely nothing. And maybe with the club’s reputation of nurturing young players, doing that may not be as difficult as it may seem.
