Arsenal: Jan Oblak in between necessary and needless

Arsenal are being heavily linked with a move for Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak. Here is why I think the 6-foot-four shot-stopper is in between necessary and needless.

There are many holes in this Arsenal squad that require investment in the summer transfer window. You do not need me to tell you that. The sub-standard performances and results this season, and for many seasons, for that matter, are proof as much. There is much work, then, to be done.

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One of the possible positions that has been mentioned as one in need of investment is the goalkeeper. Petr Cech, for instance, is now 35, Wojciech Szczesny has departed, taking up the role as Gianluigi’s successor at Juventus, and David Ospina is roundly considered as lacking the necessary quality to ever fulfil the goalkeeping role on a permanent basis. As such, many feel that this is a position that Arsenal should be looking to invest in this summer.

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One of the names that has been mentioned is Atletico Madrid’s, Jan Oblak. The towering shot-stopper, who boasts a remarkable record with the Spanish club of 18 clean sheets in 29 games this season is in a somewhat precarious position in regards to his future. Here is what he said about the potential of him staying in Madrid:

"“It’s tough to discuss the future. It’s not easy to talk about what’s going to happen tomorrow never mind what will happen next season, but I am calm and the situation depends on Atletico – nobody knows the future. There’s nothing new, there have been a lot of things said and written about a new contract but the only confirmed situation is that there is nothing new. I have a contract that I signed two years ago, but now I must wait to see what Atleti’s plan is.”"

The signing, therefore, is possible, although still largely unlikely at this point. His reported £89 million release clause is certainly off-putting. Would Oblak want to join Arsenal? There are hurdles to jump over here. But there is also another query that I have with the move. Oblak is neither necessary nor needless.

Let me explain. The goalkeeping position is not nearly the most pressing issue that needs to be addressed this summer. While Cech has shown signs of his age and Ospina is short of the required standard, there are greater problems that should be focused on first. Centre-half, defensive midfield, the wide positions, and even full back. All of these positions, it could be argued, are more important than the goalkeeper.

Having said that, I still feel that Oblak would be a good acquisition at the right price. It is undeniable that the goalkeeping position has been a weakness this season. Bringing in a player of Oblak’s calibre would certainly be a major improvement on the current options and benefit to the team.

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So, neither is he necessary or needless. He is not essential to the fate of this team, but he would be useful. I guess, then, it is up to each to determine the value of such a player. I, for one, would rather see the money invested in other positions.