Arsenal’s options to replace Bernd Leno in transfer window – Football.London

Prior to the Premier Leagues restart, there were suggestions players would be susceptible to injuries given the length of the enforced mid-season break.

Unfortunately for Arsenal, that has rung true. Within 25 minutes of the Gunners return to action against Manchester City, Mikel Arteta had already lost Granit Xhaka and Pablo Mari.

Then, during Saturdays surprise defeat by Brighton & Hove Albion, Bernd Leno became the latest casualty, the goalkeeper suffering a serious knee injury following a collision with Seagulls striker Neal Maupay.

While Arsenal are yet to confirm the extent of the Germans lay-off, if it turns out to be a cruciate ligament problem, Leno faces several months on the sidelines.

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This will inevitably force the Gunners to look for reinforcements to support stand-in stopper Emiliano Martinez in the summer window. If they do, here are five options they should consider.

While he may be coming towards the end of his career at 37, the former Liverpool keeper boasts of a wealth of top-flight experience.

After leaving Liverpool in 2014, the Spaniard had spells with Bayern Munich, Napoli and AC Milan before joining Aston Villa on loan in January.

Reina has been given regular game time by Dean Smith but has been on the bench in the two games since the restart, with Orjan Nyland preferred.

While Villa are hoping to extend the three-time Premier League Golden Glove winners loan, Arsenal could move for the veteran before the start of the 2020/21 campaign, with Gianluigi Donnarumma having cemented his place as Milans first-choice.

Another former Liverpool stopper, Mignolet has rebuilt his career in his native Belgium with Club Brugge after leaving Anfield in 2019.

The 32-year-old kept 16 clean sheets in 27 games before Brugge - who were 15 points clear of Genk - were declared champions after the season was stopped in March.

Mignolet also impressed during his sides Europa League round of 32 clash at home to Manchester United, making a string of saves to help secure a 1-1 draw in the first leg.

While Mignolets return to Belgium has proved fruitful, he may feel as though he has unfinished business in England given how he was phased out at Anfield following Alissons arrival.

An affordable, stop-gap solution, Mignolet may be the ideal short-term fix for Arteta.

Having lost his place at Southampton to Alex McCarthy, Forster has spent this season on loan at Celtic, from whom the Saints signed him in 2014.

The six-time England international has enjoyed a regular run back at Parkhead and Arsenal would have to act quickly after Celtic boss Neil Lennon recently revealed his desire to retain the keepers services.

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"They're two players we'd dearly love to have for next season," Lennon told BBC Sport on Forster and fellow loanee Mohamed Elyounoussi.

"I don't think it's unrealistic. They added a lot last year and made a really positive contribution.

In November, Forster spoke of his desire to return to the England set-up. While Celtic have certainly helped resurrect his career, a successful stint at Arsenal would greatly enhance his chances of an international recall.

While Norwich Citys top-flight return looks destined to end in tears, it has been a positive campaign for Krul.

The Dutchman, who played a key role in the Canaries successful promotion bid last season, ranks third in saves among Premier League goalkeepers with 113, behind only Leno (120) and Martin Dubravka (116), as per Twenty3.

Granted, Krul has faced more shots than any other keeper with 161, but the 32-year-old has repeatedly reminded everyone of his considerable shot-stopping prowess, most notably his heroic double stop to deny Mohamed Salah and Naby Keita during Norwichs 1-0 defeat by Liverpool in February.

He has also saved two of the five penalties he has faced this term, once again demonstrating his ability to unnerve an opponent from 12 yards.

With Norwich set to go down, Krul may not be able to turn down an offer from Arsenal.

While Spanish duo Kepa Arrizabalaga and David de Gea have had their troubles in the Premier League this term, unheralded compatriot Guaita has forged a solid reputation for himself at Crystal Palace.

The 33-year-old, who joined the Eagles from Getafe in 2018, boasts some impressive statistics this season. He ranks first in aerial duels won with 17, while he has saved 97 of the 125 shots he has faced.

He has managed nine clean sheets in total, which is more than Kepa and De Gea.

The former Valencia stopper is currently on a run of four consecutive clean sheets and, having played a key role in Palaces run to 11th place in the table, a move to one of the Eagles more illustrious London rivals may be on the cards.

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Arsenal's options to replace Bernd Leno in transfer window - Football.London