Premier League giants Arsenal and Tottenham are reportedly keeping a watch on Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha.
Premier League sides Arsenal and Tottenham may dip into the transfer market for a new goalkeeper. Now, according to Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, the Premier League duo might be interested in Lazio stopper Thomas Strakosha, with both clubs searching for a new goalkeeper in the current window.
Strakosha’s name may not be new for the Premier League, with the Albanian being linked with a move to England several times in the past. Srtakosha was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool last summer, but the Champions League winners eventually signed Alisson. Strakosha has since gone on to cement his place further at Lazio, which finished a disappointing eighth in Serie A.
Strakosha played 35 times in the league, keeping 10 clean sheets. His performances have certainly improved from last season, although that couldn’t reflect on Lazio’s league finish. The Albanian international did suffer from an achilles injury at the end of the season that saw him miss a few games, but did play the Coppa Italia Final, wherein Lazio beat Atalanta.
His displays have earned him an interest once again, particularly from England. As things stand, Arsenal and Tottenham might be interested in bringing Strakosha to the Premier League. It is believed the goalkeeper himself holds ambition of playing in England, as he considers the challenges of the league overwhelming.
The interest from Tottenham does not make a great deal of sense, with current first-choice and club captain Hugo Lloris still going strong. The Frenchman’s backup, Paulo Gazzaniga has also given a good account of himself whenever he has been thrown into the deep end.
Arsenal, too, are not necessarily looking for a new No. 1, but a replacement for Petr Cech who retired at the end of the season. They were reportedly linked with an ambitious swoop for AC Milan keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, but those reports are far-fetched. Rumours of a move for Newcastle goalkeeper Freddie Woodman were rife sometime back, and he could be one of the targets.
Emiliano Martinez, who spent last season on loan could be their answer after all, as Arsenal are only looking for an understudy to Bernd Leno. There are other considerations for backup stoppers, but it seems unlikely that Strakosha is their man for the job.
Additionally, Arsenal are operating on a stringent budget. And the fact that Lazio want around €25 million, as per the report, means spending shelling out the figure on the Albanian does not make a great deal of sense.
Strakosha has been one of Lazio’s consistent performers this past season, but it is highly unlikely he would move to Arsenal. Tottenham’s interest is again more of a rumour but not ultimately ruled out. The next few weeks will give a clearer picture on where he might be playing his football next season, with a move to England a possibility as well as staying put at Lazio.
