Arsenal chasing Alban Lafont as Arsene Wenger eyes Toulouse keeper as long-term Petr Cech replacement
David Ospina is also expected to leave north London this summer
ARSENE WENGER has identified Alban Lafont as a long-term replacement for Petr Cech, according to reports in France.
With David Ospina expected to leave north London this summer, Wenger is also seeking a No 2.
The Toulouse stopper is just 18 but has already racked up more than 60 appearances in two impressive seasons for the Ligue 1 club.
Lafont, who made his first-team debut at just 16 in 2015, kept 11 clean sheets last season.
According to Le 10 Sport, Wenger is keen on the French U20 star.
With Ospina linked with a number of clubs and Petr Cech's form wobbling last season, Wenger will need a replacement soon.
Cech, 35, endured arguably the worst season of his career last term and found himself dropped during a crucial part of the season in February and March.
Arsenal fans appear to have turned on the Chelsea legend - with calls for him to be axed throughout last season.
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Alban Lafont factfile
- Born in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, on January 23, 1999 to a French father and Burkinabe mother
- Moved to France when his parents separated at nine (his mother would later become a Member of Parliament in Burkina Faso)
- Played youth football for local side Lattoise before joining Toulouse at 15
- Became the youngest Ligue 1 goalkeeper ever, making his debut at 16 years and 310 days, in 2015
- Has played more than 60 matches in two seasons for Toulouse, keeping 19 Ligue 1 clean sheets
- Capped at every level for France except senior and played in the U20 World Cup this summer
Le 10 Sport also report that Arsenal boss Wenger had been watching Saint-Etienne keeper Stephane Ruffier, with scouts on his trail last season.
But Wenger has now dropped his interest in Ruffier and will instead chase the teenager.
Lafont is yet to be capped at senior level for France but has been appeared from U16 to U20 level - where he played at the World Cup this summer.
Lafont was born in Burkina Faso and moved to France aged nine.
His mother remained in Africa and is a Burkinabe Member of Parliament.
