Ranking 7 Potential Replacements for Petr Cech at Arsenal

Petr Cech has not quite looked himself this season. Whether it’s merely a spell of bad form or the start of an inevitable decline remains unclear, but six clean sheets from 20 Premier League appearances is not up to his usual standards.

Cech is not getting any younger, so sooner or later Arsene Wenger will have to face up to the prospect of replacing the former Chelsea stopper.

When the time comes, Wenger will also have to choose between opting for a player currently on Arsenal’s books or bringing in a new signing to inherit the No. 1 jersey.

In this piece, we identify seven potential replacements for Cech and assess the likelihood of them succeeding him at the Emirates Stadium.

7. Aniello Viscovo

Metro have reported on claims from Italy that Arsenal are interested in teenage shot-stopper Aniello Viscovo:

"

Arsenal have opened talks to sign FC Crotone goalkeeper Aniello Viscovo, according to reports in Italy.

TMW claim that the Gunners are in the market for a young goalkeeper and have already held discussions over a summer transfer for the 17-year-old.

Viscovo’s contract expires at the end of the campaign and he has not been offered a new deal by Crotone, who currently sit bottom of Serie A.

"

At this early stage, there’s little evidence to suggest Viscovo has what it takes to replace Petr Cech. If Arsenal are interested in him, it’s most likely as a promising young player rather than as a first-teamer.

6. Guillaume Hubert

ARIS MESSINIS/Getty Images

Standard Liege goalkeeper Guillaume Hubert could be a transfer target for Arsenal.

Belgium U21 international Guillaume Hubert has reportedly caught Wenger’s eye this season.

According to Simon Jones of the Daily Mail, Wenger has sent scouts to watch Hubert play for Standard Liege on six occasions this season. 

With Liege languishing in mid-table, Hubert would surely welcome interest from a Premier League giant such as Arsenal. However, when compared to most of the names on this list, Hubert represents an unknown quantity.

Wenger may hold out hope of landing the next Thibaut Courtois, but it would be a big gamble to anoint Hubert as Cech’s successor.

5. Emiliano Martinez

Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

Emiliano Martinez recently signed a long-term contract at Arsenal.

David Ospina is not the only South American goalkeeper in the Arsenal squad hoping to be Cech’s successor. Emiliano Martinez, who shone during the club’s EFL Cup campaign, will also have aspirations of being No. 1 at the club.

Wenger has handed Martinez a boost this season, awarding him a new long-term contract. Cech has since commented glowingly on the Argentinian’s development, telling Arsenal Player (h/t James Benge the Evening Standard):

"

He’s been here for a few years now and I would say that you can see his progress. Having gone on loan a few times and having proved that he has the ability to play at this level - it’s been a learning experience for him as well.

For a player that is not playing as much, he is always ready. I think that he enjoys the game and he is that person you know you can always put him in and rely that he will give you the performance you expect.

"

Of course, being primed and ready as a reserve is a different thing to being a full-time first-teamer. Martinez may need to gain more experience on loan before he is ready to be considered as an alternative to Cech.

4. Jordan Pickford

Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

Jordan Pickford is one of the brightest goalkeeping prospects in English football.

Jordan Pickford has been one of the breakout stars of the Premier League season. After loan spells with six different clubs, he has finally broken into the Sunderland senior team and been their best performer in the battle against the drop. 

Now, Geoff Sweet of The Sun reports that Arsenal have made him a target to replace Cech:

"

Arsenal are looking into signing Sunderland keeper Jordan Pickford – and loaning him back to the Black Cats.

But it could cost them £35million to seal the deal to land Petr Cech’s successor.

"

Wenger’s interest in Pickford is understandable. However, the likelihood is that he would wait until the end of the season before making a move. Not only would that allow him to see if Pickford’s form sustains, but in the event of Sunderland’s relegation, it might also ease the negotiating process.

3. Alban Lafont

Arsenal cannot be the only club keeping tabs on Toulouse’s teenage sensation Alban Lafont.

He made his debut last season as a 16-year-old, becoming the youngest goalkeeper in Ligue 1 history. Since then, he has gone on to establish himself as a first-team regular—and one of the most exciting young talents in Europe. His form last season was integral in helping Toulouse escape relegation, with a record of eight clean sheets from 24 appearances drawing widespread praise.

Arsenal’s interest is inevitable. According to French outlet L’Equipe (h/t TalkSport), they have been tracking Lafont’s progress for some time.

Wenger can rarely resist a prodigiously gifted French talent, so if Arsenal do choose to bring in a new goalkeeper to replace Cech, Lafont is certain to figure on his shortlist.

2. Wojciech Szczesny

FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/Getty Images

Wojciech Szczesny has performed well for Roma this season.

Wojciech Szczesny is the forgotten man of the Arsenal goalkeeping roster. The Pole has now spent two consecutive seasons on loan with Roma, having been ousted by Cech’s switch across London.

Now 26, Szczesny appears to have matured somewhat during his time in Serie A. His form this season has helped propel Roma to second in the table—only league-leaders Juventus have conceded fewer goals.

Wenger is clearly a fan of Szczesny’s talent, if not his temperament. This summer, the Gunners boss may have to make a decision—either recall Szczesny as No. 1 or allow him to make a permanent move away from the club that reared him.

1. David Ospina

Alastair Grant/Associated Press

David Ospina may expect to inherit the No. 1 spot from Petr Cech

Arsenal’s current deputy will hope he can be the man to oust Cech. Wenger certainly believes he has the talent, telling Max Jones of the official team website:

"

I think Ospina can be the goalkeeper of the future here as well. With Petr Cech getting older, David may get more games as well.

"

Wenger has demonstrated his faith by fielding Ospina in every Champions League game this season, as well as the FA Cup third-round tie against Preston North End. Ospina has acquitted himself well on every occasion, banishing memories of his error-strewn performance against Olympiacos last term.

The biggest question is whether or not the Colombian has the patience to see off Cech. At 28, he’s at an age where he’ll want to play regular football sooner rather than later. It’s possible he’ll decide to leave Arsenal before Cech is ready to be relegated to the bench.