Claudio Bravo celebrates during a match against Liverpool (Getty Images)
According to the Metro, Arsenal are considering snapping up Claudio Bravo on a free transfer amidst fears that Bernd Leno could miss 12 months.
Leno, the Arsenal first-choice goalkeeper, was stretchered off the pitch during the Gunners’ defeat to Brighton. The German could miss up to four weeks due to an ACL tear.
With growing concerns still remaining regarding the German keeper’s availability ahead of next season, Arsenal are looking to rope in experienced custodian Bravo from rivals Manchester City.
The 37-year-old Bravo is out of contract at the Etihad at the end of this season and both the parties are yet to agree on a new deal. The Chilean arrived at Manchester City, way back in 2016. However, he has played just 29 times for them in the Premier League so far.
He has mostly been used as a back-up behind main goalkeeper Ederson, who has established himself as the side’s undisputed No.1 between the sticks.
His chances of a first-team appearance look increasingly limited under Guardiola, having featured just four times in the Premier League this season. Also, with City’s young goalkeeper Arijanet Muric now waiting in the queue, it seems hugely unlikely that Bravo would extend his stay at the Etihad.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are trying to make the best out of this opportunity and rope in the veteran shot-stopper, who will be available for free in the summer transfer window. Leno’s absence has seen manager Mikel Arteta handing out the first-team duties to Emiliano Martínez. He has played just 26 matches for them despite arriving at the Emirates ten years ago.
Martinez has spent most of his time at the North London side either warming the benches or on loan at different clubs. The 27-year-old’s failure to establish himself as the side’s No.1 keeper all these years remains a concern for Arsenal and their decision to make a move for the experienced Bravo makes sense.
Leaving aside his torrid time at City, Bravo has been a true performer for former sides – Barcelona and Real Sociedad. The veteran Chilean was the Catalans’ undisputed No.1 keeper for two seasons before the arrival of Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
He is a two-time La Liga winner and a Champions League winner with Barcelona and is nothing short of experience. Even at this age, Bravo remains his national side Chile’s first-choice keeper despite making his debut as long as 16 years ago.
Leno’s injury has shown that Arsenal lack an established keeper in their ranks and Bravo’s arrival will only make them stronger. A proven customer with all his former sides, Bravo could be a valuable addition for the Gunners. Also, since he is available for free, Arsenal can save themselves from spending a lot of money unnecessarily.
