Gunners have their eye on Mainz goalkeeper Loris Karius.
Arsenal are hoping to sign 21 year-old Mainz goalkeeper Loris Karius as a long term contender for the goalkeeping position at the Emirates Stadium, report the Mirror, but the Gunners are set to face competition from major clubs across the continent for the signature of one of the most exciting young players performing in the Bundesliga currently.
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Karius, who was once part of the youth ranks at Manchester City before being allowed to return to the Bundesliga and overachievers Mainz, is also wanted by Borussia Dortmund, FC Schalke 04 and Valencia, all of whom will be well aware of the fact that his contract runs out in the summer and that a bargain deal could be arranged in January.
Arsenal are believed to be more than happy to wait until the summer to strike a deal for Karius, despite Wojciech Szczesny’s dreadful display in the New Year’s Day loss to Southampton, but Arsene Wenger will be mindful of the danger of one of their transfer rivals striking a deal with Mainz for an immediate transfer.
Towering goalkeeper Karius is now regarded as Germany’s second best stopper, behind Manuel Neuer but even ahead experienced Dortmund star Roman Weidenfeller and Barcelona man Marc Andre ter Stegen, and looks set to become one of Europe’s finest goalkeepers over the course of the next decade.