Why Rob Green – Krystian Bielik Swap Deal Makes Sense For Arsenal And Leeds
According to a report from the print edition of The Sun (via Daily Star), Arsenal are considering making a surprise move for Leeds United goalkeeper Robert Green.
The 37-year old, who was the Whites’ No.1 last season, is being eyed by the Gunners’ boss Arsene Wenger to become the new number two for the club behind Petr Cech, as question marks hang over the future of current second-choice custodian David Ospina.
Ospina is reportedly looking for an exit in the summer, after having grown frustrated with playing second-fiddle for Cech and with interest from Turkish giants Fenerbahce (ESPN), he is expected to leave. The future of Wojciech Szczesny also lies away from the Emirates with Juventus touted to be the Polish goalkeeper’s next club (Gazzetta dello Sport via Sport Witness). That would leave Wenger with just Emiliano Martinez as his option, who is also being heavily chased by Spanish club Valencia (The Sun).
Such a situation would definitely leave the manager in a huge conundrum, leaving him with no other option but to delve into the transfer market to try and sign a new stopper for next season.
Rob Green would certainly prove to be a worthy No.2. The 37-year old, despite his age, starred for Leeds last campaign and did not miss even a single Championship game over the course of the season. In his 46 championship games, the veteran managed 15 clean sheets and his performances earned him a new contract with the Yorkshire based outfit.
However, the arrival of a new goalkeeper in the form of Felix Wiedwald from Werder Bremen last week, does cast a cloud over his No.1 spot under new boss Thomas Christiansen ahead of the new season.
Green’s performances last season, coupled with his vast experience in the Premier League with the likes of Norwich City, West Ham United and Queens Park Rangers, make him a good option for Arsenal to consider. But, it might turn out to be hard to get Leeds to let go of their goalkeeper.
However, one way that Arsenal should look to convince the Whites to sell their man would be offering a potential sweetener in the form of defender Krystian Bielik on loan for a season.
The 19-year old is a player who is held in extremely high regards in and around the Emirates and is tipped for a bright future with the club. However, it was reported a couple of months ago that the North Londoners are willing to let the Polish U-21 international for the 2017/18 campaign in order to aid his development and progress (ESPN).
Bielik spent the second half of last season on loan with Championship side Birmingham City and put on several impressive displays for the Blues, earning huge praise from then-Birmingham manager Gianfranco Zola. He made 10 appearances in the second-tier for his temporary club and managed to make a strong impression.
Leeds are searching for a new defensive partner for Pontus Jansson, after Kyle Bartley’s loan spell came to an end. The Swansea City man is being monitored by several other clubs and might not return to Elland Road on a permanent deal next season. Bringing in an exciting young talent like Bielik, who showed glimpses that he can cut it out at this level last season, might turn out to be a smart piece of business for Leeds. And add to that, Bielik’s ability to play as a defensive midfielder will provide the manager with added cover in the middle of the park as well.
Arsenal are in need of a goalkeeper and while Green might not be the most attractive options, he will get the job done. Leeds need some fresh faces in their squad and in Bielik they will be getting a centre-back who can double up as a midfielder as well. A swap deal makes perfect sense for both the clubs and it is something that should be explored in the summer.
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