Arsenal 'identify German free agent as Petr Cech replacement'

Arsenal have reportedly identified German goalkeeper Markus Schubert as a replacement for the retiring Petr Cech.

Cech will bring his glittering career to an end after the Europa League final later this month, leaving Arsenal in the market for a new back-up goalkeeper to first choice Bernd Leno.

German outlet Bild reports that Schubert has emerged as a surprise option for the Gunners, having allowed his contract to run down at Dynamo Dresden.

The 20-year-old has spent his entire career with the German second division club, but he has decided against signing a new deal and will be available as a free agent this summer.

The option of a free transfer is understood to appeal to Arsenal, who could reportedly be restricted to a transfer budget of just £40m this summer should they lose the Europa League final and miss out on Champions League football next season.

Schubert, who has represented Germany at every level from Under-17s to Under-21s, would likely arrive at the club as second or third-choice keeper, with Emiliano Martinez expected to push him for the number two role following his return from a loan spell at Reading.