Arsenal, Watford and Lazio are reportedly all set to engage in a three-way summer tussle for Toulouse’s teenage goalkeeping sensation Alban Lafont.
The Sun have reported that Arsenal will have Watford and Lazio for company in a three-way battle for the 18-year-old goalkeeping sensation from Toulouse, Alban Lafont when the summer transfer window opens in June.
Talk of the best young goalkeeping talents in the world and the name that first springs to anyone’s mind is Gianluigi Donnarumma. The 17-year-old has made waves with his performances in goal for AC Milan ever since his debut for the club two years ago and is deservedly rated as a future goalkeeping great.
However, there’s another teenage goalkeeping sensation who has gone under the radar slightly, but has been rated very highly in his country. In fact, this player has been so good for Toulouse in his teenage years that he has already been earmarked as a future number one for France.
Alban Lafont is an impressive 18-year-old goalkeeper who, like Donnarumma, is already the first choice custodian for his side despite still being in his teens. Like Donnarumma, he made his debut in the 2015/16 season. Lafont made quite the impression in his very first game as he kept a clean sheet against Nice, and he hasn’t looked back since then.
Ever since then he has been Toulouse’s first choice goalkeeper. What has impressed his admirers the most is his calmness and composure in goal, with Lafont showing maturity way beyond his tender years. On top of that he is a superb shot stopper and, in the mould of modern goalkeepers, is good at sweeping as well.
He has also proven himself to be commanding in the air, something that will prove very useful in the Premier League, and has lightning quick reflexes that help him make some breathtaking saves.
Arsenal have been long-time admirers of Lafont’s talents and have been heavily linked with the teenager previously and Arsene Wenger is said to be eyeing him once again. The Gunners are reported to be searching for a goalkeeper owing to Petr Cech’s underwhelming displays in goal this season.
Several names have been linked with the North London club in recent months, the most prominent of which being Joe Hart, who also has other suitors for his services. Lafont seems to be another name on Wenger’s list and his superlative performances would suggest that he could be a long-term goalkeeping solution for Arsenal.
However, Arsenal have competition in their pursuit of Lafont, with Watford and Lazio also eyeing the 18-year-old. Watford were, according to the report, in the market for Asmir Begovic in the winter transfer window and are now set to plot a move for Lafont after missing out on the Chelsea goalkeeper.
Meanwhile, Lazio are seeking a replacement for Federico Marchetti, who has less than 18 months left on his contract but is rumoured to be looking to leave the club in the summer. The Biancocelesti have considered several options but Lafont is a prominent name on the list.
Lafont, thus, has made quite the mark and there is no shortage of suitors looking to acquire him in the summer. As the teenager continues to impress for Toulouse, it now remains to be seen if the Ligue 1 outfit can keep hold of their prized asset or if another European club can possibly sign him.
