Dynamo Dresden goalkeeper Markus Schubert is reportedly set to snub Arsenal’s advances as he eyes a move to Bundesliga side FC Schalke 04.
Arsenal are in the market for a new goalkeeper to replace Petr Cech, who retired at the end of the season. Daily Mirror though, reckon Dynamo Dresden goalkeeper Markus Schubert is set to snub any advances from Arsenal to join Bundesliga side Schalke in the summer as he feels the German team could offer more first-team opportunities.
Arsenal were hoping to sign Schubert on a free transfer after the goalkeeper decided against renewing his deal with Dynamo Dresden. With Petr Cech hanging up his gloves, the Gunners require a new goalkeeper, preferably to provide cover for Bernd Leno. Schubert’s performances at the 2. Bundesliga side have earned him attention from the German top-flight as well as Arsenal.
But, with the 21-year-old set to snub any offer from Arsenal, the Gunners will have to keep continuing their search for a new shot-stopper. Emiliano Martinez, who spent last season on-loan at Real Betis is tipped to do the job, as Arsenal look for solutions internally. The North Londoners were also linked with Juventus loanee Emil Audero, but those links have gone cold.
The Gunners, with their stringent budget for the summer window, were hoping to lure Schubert on a free transfer to focus spending on other necessary targets. Now Arsenal may need to look elsewhere as Schubert seemingly prefers Schalke over the Premier League side, although this decision could be for sporting reasons.
Arsenal are quite an attractive option for Schubert over Schalke. But, the German Under-21 goalkeeper feels he might have a better shot at first-team action with the Bundesliga side. With Bernd Leno firmly established as Arsenal’s No. 1, Schubert might have only seen cup action and probably some games in next season’s Europa League.
At Schalke, Alexander Nubel has established himself as the first-choice keeper. But speculation surrounds the 22-year-old keeper, with Bayern Munich showing an interest. Hence Schubert might have a better shot at claiming the No. 1 spot at Schalke than at Arsenal. In the case Nubel does end up staying at Schalke, Schubert will nevertheless provide ample cover.
As far as goalkeepers are concerned in Arsenal’s case, there were a few whispers around the transfer market. Barring links of an ambitious move for AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnaruma, Arsenal were recently linked with a move for Lazio custodian Thomas Strakosha. The Albanian would also likely snub the Gunners in favour of a club that offers him a more regular role.
Unlike last summer, Arsenal have been slow in conducting transfer business and are yet to make a single signing. They are pursuing players for several positions, but adding cover for Leno will become a priority when other goalkeeping targets snub their advances in search of first-team action. With Schubert out of the picture, the coming weeks will answer the question as to who Arsenal might sign as backup for Leno.
