Prior to his move to Fiorentina, Alban Lafont was linked with a number of Premier League clubs, notably Crystal Palace, Everton and Arsenal.
The Gunners were already keeping an eye on him when Arsène Wenger was in charge, and when it was known that Unai Emery was looking for a new goalkeeper, the name reemerged.
Eventually, Arsenal opted for a more experienced Bernd Leno, and the 19-year-old decided to go to a club where he was guaranteed to start at Fiorentina, reassurances Everton and Crystal Palace weren’t able to provide.
Speaking to Tuttosport, who asked him if he regretted turning his back on the Premier League and Arsenal, he said: “I’m very happy to be at Fiorentina, and I’m convinced that I can always grow here. To what aim? To go as far as I possible can.”
Sitting out for an injury to his bicep aside, the youngster has started seven out of a possible nine games for the Serie A outfit this season, conceding just five goals along the way.
With the likes of Petr Cech, Jordan Pickford and Wayne Hennessey in front of him at the aforementioned interested clubs, it seems doubtful Lafont would have had such opportunities at, let’s say, the Emirates.
Maybe it was the right choice for him, and, who knows? Maybe one day that move to the Premier League will materialise if he fulfils his potential.
