Arsenal Transfer News: Loris Karius a Shrewd Choice to Replace Wojciech Szczesny

The recent form of Wojciech Szczesny has alarmed both Arsene Wenger and Arsenal fans, and reports now suggest the Gunners boss will pursue Loris Karius as a replacement—considered by many as the "new Manuel Neuer."

David Wright of the Express says Arsenal will compete for the highly-rated 21-year-old goalkeeper with Borussia Dortmund and Schalke, as Wenger looks to strengthen his defence with one of the future stars of the game.

And James Nursey of the Mirror reports the young Mainz stopper is out of contract at the end of the current season but Arsenal may be forced to bid for the player now in light of suitors gathering around the former Manchester City academy product. 

Nursey says Karius is now considered the best in his position in Germany after Neuer, and he recently snubbed Benfica, pledging his immediate future to his club last summer.

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

But with Arsenal leaking goals at an alarming rate, Wenger could try and tempt the goalkeeper to return to England and play in the Premier League for the north London giants.

Karius has been impressive for Mainz during the current season, playing in all 17 of the club's domestic league games, per Squawka.com, amassing five clean sheets.

Squawka also report Karius has a 99 percent claim success rate this season—proving what a great talent the tall goalkeeper already is.

Arsenal are said to prefer to take Karius on a free in the summer, per Nursey, but it is unlikely Mainz will allow that to happen given the burgeoning interest.

However, there is one major negative surrounding the player: He has previously found life in England hard during his time as a junior at City.

The player was released by City despite his huge potential, with independent club blog City Watch explaining the situation as the goalkeeper departed the Etihad:

Michael Steele/Getty Images

Wenger confirmed current No. 1 Szczesny will be dropped for the Gunners' FA Cup tie at home to Hull City after the goalkeeper was at fault and blamed for the recent defeat to Southampton.

Bruce Archer of the Daily Star quoted the French manager saying deputy stopper David Ospina would be now given a chance: "He [Ospina] was not in the squad today because he will play on Sunday. I am disappointed because it was a self-inflicted defeat [against Southampton]. We made the mistakes at the back and we were punished."

Despite his failed time at City, Karius would be an excellent acquisition for Wenger. Manchester United looked towards youth when they bought David de Gea and Chelsea now have Thibaut Courtois—who is just one year Karius' senior.

Szczesny has had a long time to establish himself at Arsenal, but he has not developed in the manner expected.

However, Matt Law of The Telegraph blames Wenger directly for Szczesny's lack of progression describing the goalkeeper as "raw." 

Szczesny has the ability to make stunning saves, but his decision making is still incredibly poor compared to the other keepers at the big Premier League clubs.

By now, he should be up there on the lips of all football fans when they mention who is the best in the position in England, but Szczesny is nowhere near this standard.

Mainz will not be able to hold out for a big fee, so the Karius deal will now be driven by the buyer. Therefore, the deck is stacked in Arsenal's favour. 

His arrival in January could also be the competition Szczesny needs to progress—and the pressure will make the Polish player sink or swim.