Arsenal have ‘tested the ground’ for Roma goalkeeper Pau Lopez as they search for a new number two to replace Emiliano Martinez.
The Argentine goalkeeper completed a move to Aston Villa this week after it was made clear by manager Mikel Arteta that Bernd Leno would be his number one goalkeeper this season.
That has left the Gunners looking for a new back up for the German and, according to AS Roma Live that man could be Lopez.
They report that Arsenal have tested the ground for the Spanish goalkeeper ‘in recent hours’, which we’re reading as made enquiries about his availability, cost etc. with the Italian side.
However, an ‘obstacle’ to the move could be Roma’s asking price, with Arsenal not wanting to spend that much on a second goalkeeper.
Similarly, Lopez is ‘not convinced’ of either moving to the Emirates or how much playing time he would be guaranteed.
That presumably puts this rumour down before it has begun, although it never made much sense in the first place.
First and foremost, Arsenal are already set to complete a deal for Dijon goalkeeper Runar Alex Runarsson, so their need for a new number two is not all that pressing.
Secondly, as AS Roma Live suggest, there would be no logic to them spending the relatively large sum they would need to get Lopez just to make him number two.
Rather than a genuine rumour, this feels more like an attempt to raise Lopez’s profile and attract interest.
