Report: Mikel Arteta tells Edu to sign ‘outstanding’ player to replace Arsenal star Leno

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According to a report from La Razon, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has instructed his side to make a summer move for Bilbao shot-stopper Unai Simon.

The Spaniard, still only 23, has made a brilliant name for himself in La Liga. He has earned six international caps for Spain as well, getting a place over Manchester United star David de Gea.

Arteta has reportedly had enough of Bernd Leno’s errors in goal. The German made a howler against Everton on Friday, and his mistakes are costing Arsenal dearly.

The Gunners boss wants to eradicate that next season, and he has reportedly told Edu to dive into the summer transfer window to sign Simon from Bilbao.

Spain boss Luis Enrique labelled Simon as ‘outstanding’, while Germany and Bayern Munich superstar Manuel Neuer also heaped praise on him after the nations league game between the two countries back in November. (El Desmarque)

At just 23 years of age, Simon is already among the best goalkeepers in La Liga. It wouldn’t be a surprise at all to see him secure a big move this summer, but whether it will be to Arsenal is a whole different story.

The Insider’s View:

Leno does have an occasional error in him, but he is still a fantastic goalkeeper. The German has saved us time and time again over the last two years, but his mistakes are a lot more memorable to fans than his brilliant saves.

The big problem for Leno at the moment is the lack of competition. As good as Maty Ryan is, we all know he isn’t going to replace the German. That may have made him a tiny bit complacent, which is showing on the pitch.

If Arsenal bring in another top-quality goalkeeper this summer, Leno will have no choice but to be at his absolute best every single day. The fear of losing your spot brings out the best in every player, and the German is no different.

Simon would fit that role perfectly. The Spaniard is more than capable of replacing Leno, and his arrival will surely raise the level of our goalkeepers next season. If Arteta and Edu can get him in, it would be silly not to.