Arsenal appear to be on the lookout for a goalkeeper to replace the retiring Petr Cech, and recent speculation has linked them with a move for Gianluigi Donnarumma – but would this be a genuinely worthwhile signing?
According to claims from Italian news outlet Tuttomercatoweb, the Gunners explored the possibility of signing the shot-stopper, who looks to be set for a stay in Milan.
Arsenal face a summer transfer window of immense importance as they bid to push back into the top four of the Premier League, and in doing so, they will need to tighten up their defensive unit.
First-choice goalkeeper Bernd Leno has enjoyed a rather successful maiden campaign in English football, but his veteran counterpart Cech will be calling time on his professional career after the Europa League final against his former club Chelsea on Wednesday.
This could lead Arsenal to move for a new man to compete with Leno between the sticks, and Donnarumma is the latest man to be touted as an option.
An ever-present in Gennaro Gattuso’s starting line-ups at AC Milan, the Italy international is understood to be valued at around €70 million, with the Serie A giants determined to keep hold of their academy graduate.
In truth, it is hard to envisage Arsenal spending a club-record sum on a position which is not primarily in dire need of improvement. Leno has, as aforementioned, been a steady figure as the club’s number one, and deserves the chance to continue his development next season.
Donnarumma is arguably the better of the two goalkeepers, and he boasts world-class potential. However, it would be an unnecessary expenditure from the Gunners to spend big when they must firstly focus on strengthening their central defensive options this summer.
