Arsenal: Only one answer to Petr Cech and David Ospina problem

ROME, ITALY - AUGUST 18: Miroslav Klose of SS Lazio and Bernd Leno of Bayer Leverkusen in action during the UEFA Champions League qualifying round play off first leg match between SS Lazio and Bayer Leverkusen at Olimpico Stadium on August 18, 2015 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY - AUGUST 18: Miroslav Klose of SS Lazio and Bernd Leno of Bayer Leverkusen in action during the UEFA Champions League qualifying round play off first leg match between SS Lazio and Bayer Leverkusen at Olimpico Stadium on August 18, 2015 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal are set to sign Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno. That presents a David Ospina and Petr Cech problem. One will have to leave. There is only one answer.

It seems as though Arsenal are set to break their goalkeeping transfer record. As first reported in Germany and now widely acknowledged in Britain, the Gunners have agreed a £19.2 million with Bayer Leverkusen for shot-stopper Bernd Leno.

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The 26-year-old has long been touted as one of the future stars of the position, breaking into the Leverkusen first team at the tender age of 19 and never relinquishing the number one jersey since. While his progression has not taken the route that many had anticipated, Leno is still a talented goalkeeper with, at 26, time to develop further.

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His impending arrival — I am writing this piece on Tuesday morning and the official announcement has not yet been made — does spell a fairly obvious departure for at least one of the current goalkeepers in the squad, namely David Ospina and Petr Cech. Ever since Cech’s arrival in 2015, the two have been the starting pair for the Gunners, rotating between domestic and European fixtures. Leno will now take the starting role. There is only room for one other.

Arsenal, therefore, will be forced into selling one of the pair, if not both of them if they are unwilling to accept what will unquestionably be a back-up role. Assuming that both are happy to sit behind and support Leno and that Unai Emery has the choice of which to keep, then there is only one answer to the problem that Leno’s signing poses.

Of the two, Arsenal must keep Cech. Most importantly, a reserve goalkeeping role is one that has more influence off the pitch than on it. Cover for injuries is not as important, fatigue and rotation do not really play a part in the team selection, and with Leno having no prior experience of England and English football, it is important that whoever is alongside him is able to aid his adaptation. Obviously, Cech is the better option of the two in this context.

But more than just being the more experienced, supporting teammate, Cech is also the better player. He may not quite have the agility and reactionary skills of Ospina, but his command of his penalty area, his communication with his defenders, his leadership and his understanding of the game far outweigh the slight shot-stopping edge that Ospina has.

Moreover, Ospina will be 30 this summer. It’s not as if he is a young goalkeeper with warts that can be ironed out in the future. His panic-inducing style is just a part of who he is, however infuriating it may be. While Cech is 36 and nearing the end of his career, he would only be required for one or two seasons, and sparingly at that, something that he would be able to offer.

Next: Arsenal: 3 consequences from Bernd Leno signing

The Leno acquisition clearly shows that Arsenal were not happy with their goalkeeping performances last season. It also suggests that one will leave. That is the conundrum that is posed. And if it is a question of either-or, there really is only one answer.