Arsenal
What message is Emery passing to Leno as he targets another goalkeeper
Arsenal manager Unai Emery is ready to make some amendments to his defensive setup when the winter transfer market commences.
The former Paris St-German boss signed two defensive midfielders, Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi, prior to the start of the season and both players have just justified their respective price tags — especially the Uruguayan star.
Despite their bright start to life at the Emirates Stadium, the team have conceded an unacceptable 23 goals from 17 matches.
The unwanted record has reportedly pushed Emery into making up his mind to add some qualities to his team at the back of the pitch.
Meanwhile, Emery has decided to make a very shocking and unexpected move for Real Madrid goalkeeper Kaylor Navas despite possessing two world-class goaltenders in Petr Cech and former Bayer Leverkusen goalie Bernd Leno.
After a difficult start to life at Emirates Stadium, the German goalkeeper has successfully pushed Petr Cech down the pecking order to become Emery’s undisputed first-choice.
The £60,000 weekly earner has been doing great for the Gunners since his first start but his error against Southampton last Sunday raised concerns over his ability to help the team to a fourth-place finish by the end of the campaign.
The 26-year-old misjudged a cross from the Saints winger and it led to Charlie Austin’s 85th-minute winner which ended the Gunners unbeaten streak after 22 matches.
Is Navas the best solution to the Gunners defensive fragility?
As far as the Gunners are concerned, a move for the Real Madrid’s outcast is a waste of money should he completed the keeper’s signature in January.
With a relatively young Bernd Leno and an experienced Petr Cech, the goalkeeping department is in safe hands and there’s no need adding a 32-year-old goalie to the team.
The Costa Rica international has fallen out of favor at Santiago Bernabeu since the European Champions brought Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea before the start of the season.
The Gunners are in urgent need of a centre-back due to Holding’s long-term injury and that should be Emery’s major concern.
If the Gunners must make a top-four finish this season, the Spanish manager must cool his interest in Navas and move for a centre-back and two full-backs.
What does Emery’s move for Navas mean to Leno
It means just one thing — the 26-year-old is beginning to lost Emery’s trust as result of his blunder against the Saints on Sunday.
He must now make up for his errors by making some point-blank saves in subsequent matches.
Should he repeat another uncharacteristic error before the end of the season, that could be the beginning of his downfall with the North London club.
