Arsenal: Bernd Leno doesn’t even have to play to be a success

Arsenal’s keeper situation is changing, like so many other things, but even if Bernd Leno doesn’t play, he’s still a successful signing.

Arsenal have a brand new scenario at keeper, and it’s an inspiring one. Petr Cech vs Bernd Leno, a duel of No. 1’s. No matter what happens, no matter who wins out, the Gunners are in a better situation than they were in last year.

I mean, Cech has already issued a battle cry at Leno, essentially pounding his chest and welcoming the challenge. So what has to happen for this all to work?

This is going to sound crazy, but hear me out – if Arsenal get months into the season and Leno is no longer starting, then he’ll have done his second most important job – to get the best out of Petr Cech.

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Because here’s how it is: Leno is going to be given the starting job. I have to believe that’s the case, anyway. If Leno is playing and playing well, he’s a success, no questions asked. Obviously. That goes without saying.

If he isn’t playing well and Cech isn’t playing well, I have to imagine that Leno will still be given the reigns because he has the room and the years to improve.

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But if Leno’s presence alone causes Cech to step up his game and find his best self again, then we all win. Maybe not Leno, but he will still be learning and so long as one is learning, it isn’t all worthless.

The point of this all is that we are getting serious. David Ospina was never, never going to challenge Petr Cech. He wasn’t good enough. He was a sure-fire No. 2 if ever there was one.

Leno is not a No. 2. Nor is Cech, even in his later years. Both of these guys should be starting, but if one or the other is not, at least we still know that the other has to be top-notch, lest they are simply replaced all over again.

Of course, potentially selling Cech throws a wrench in those plans. Chelsea have suddenly emerged as potential suitors to bring Cech back for a second go-around. It depends on the Arsenal reaction, but if the point is to let Leno grow under Cech, like Wojciech Szczesny was supposed to, then that becomes infinitely harder without Cech.

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Whatever the case, at least we can be excited about the situation at keeper again. It’s been awhile.