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5 potential replacements for Petr Cech at Arsenal

West Bromwich Albion v Arsenal - Premier League
Petr Cech's time as a world-class goalie is coming to an end and Arsenal need to start preparing for it

Cech was hailed as the missing piece of the title-winning puzzle when he surprisingly signed for Arsenal in 2015 after eleven trophy-laden seasons at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea.

The Czech custodian decided to up and leave the Blues after the then manager Jose Mourinho chose to go with Belgian shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois as the number one goalie.

The veteran goalkeeper has been decent for Arsenal amid the chaotic defending that has become characteristic of the team in the last few years. He has provided a steady hand and a calming influence on a defence that seems to become more error prone by the season.

However, Father Time is already beginning to take his toll and the great man is no longer as good as he used to be. The club would do well to begin looking at solutions to this quandary.

Here, we take a look at five potential replacements for the Czech Republic great:


#5 Alex Meret (Udinese & Italy)

The young Italian looks set to challenge Gigi Donnarumma for Italy's number 1 spot for years to come
The young Italian looks set to challenge Gigi Donnarumma for Italy's number 1 spot for years to come

A strapping young lad looking to follow in the culture of legendary Italian goalkeepers, Meret's ascent to the top has been nowhere as dramatic as Donnaruma's has been but take nothing away from the young man; he has all the makings of a top-class keeper.

Quick off his line, agile and blessed with good reflexes and a keen understanding of the game, Meret is currently developing his skills at Serie A club SPAL on loan from parent club Udinese.

It has been rumoured that Italian champions Juventus are looking at the Italian U-19 international as a long-term replacement for the legendary goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon.

Under a manager like Arsene Wenger who is renowned for developing young talent, Meret will be expected to flourish and live up to his potential.

Given his height, long reach & quick reflexes, the Italian youth international will be a big hit in the fast-paced, physically demanding world of the Premier League.

Also read: The Resurgence of Jack Wilshere: Are You Watching, Gareth Southgate?

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