2. Oliver Zelenika – Dinamo Zagreb
Oliver Zelenika is perhaps a less well-known name to viewers of the Premier League. He currently plies his trade in the Croatian league, with the youngster being the number one already for his country’s most successful side. At such a young age, this is a remarkable achievement, and means he has more match experience than the likes of Butland.
Such match experience could make him a more likely target for Arsenal, as they may be looking for someone upon whom they can rely, should injuries to Wojciech Szczesny and/or David Ospina occur. This would stand Zelenika in good stead, as he plays almost all the time for Zagreb. Widely touted as Croatia’s next big thing, Arsenal could be stealing a potentially world-class goalkeeper from under the noses of several other big European clubs, many of whom are reported to be interested in signing Zelenika.
He has also played in the Europa league with Zagreb, so has experience of playing in big European games, something which ‘keepers such as Jack Butland lack. What’s more, the fact that is isn’t English would mean that his price may not be ridiculously inflated, so the Gunners could get more value for money by going for Zelenika. The Croat will continue to improve no matter which club he goes to, but if it’s Arsenal, the Gunners’ goalkeeping situation would be looking very good for the next 10 years at least.