'He Should Be Number 1': Arsenal Legend Identifies Ready-Made Replacement for Peter Cech

Robert Pires believes that Arsenal have a ready-made replacement for Petr Cech in the form of David Ospina.

Arsenal have endured a torrid 2017/18 campaign - with Thursday's Europa League semi-final loss to Atletico Madrid ending any hopes of securing a Champions League berth ahead of next season

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Cech is undoubtably one of the finest goalkeepers of the Premier League era, but the 35-year-old has let his standards slip since his move from Chelsea in 2014, and it now appears as through the veteran stopper's career is drawing to a close.

Colombian international David Ospina has been acting as Cech's deputy in the Premier League, but the South American has impressed when given the chance in Arsenal's European campaigns.

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Ospina was ultimately unable to prevent Arsenal losing 1-0 in this week's semi-final clash, however former Arsenal star Robert Pires is confident that Ospina is the right man to replace Cech in the Arsenal goal long-term.

“I don’t think Arsenal need to sign anyone to replace Petr Cech because David Ospina is an excellent goalkeeper,” Pires told BetStars (bwin).

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“Ospina plays well every time he gets a chance and he’s first choice for Colombia.

“Ospina has been at the club for a long time and I think he should be number 1.”

Ospina has made just 20 appearances for Arsenal this term, keeping eight clean sheets in the process.