Arsenal are eyeing Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope as a long-term replacement for Petr Cech, reports the Daily Mail.
The Gunners face losing the 36-year-old and David Ospina this summer as Cech retires and the Colombian is set to move to Napoli having impressed during his loan spell with the Serie A side.
Pope, 26, is currently negotiating with the club to extend his two-year stay at Turf Moor. However, despite Sean Dyche’s desire that Pope remain in Lancashire, it’s understood the player is concerned that he has little prospect of regular first-team action.
Injury suffered during the Europa League tie with Aberdeen meant the club signed Joe Hart, 31, to solve their goalkeeping crisis which cost the club dearly in the first half of the season.
However, with Tom Heaton also rediscovering the form which saw him called up to the England squad, Pope’s opportunities are limited, causing him to reconsider his future.
Arsenal are keen to sign homegrown players this year with Aaron Ramsey and Danny Welbeck both leaving, as well as the club keen to sell Carl Jenkinson and Emi Martinez.
Losing those four players causes the club problems unless they are determined to promote youth players into their first team. Given the problems suffered this season, can Unai Emery take that risk?
