Arsenal ‘eye Claudio Bravo transfer with Man City star seen as Bernd Leno replacement if knee injury is long-term’
MANCHESTER CITY's back-up goalkeeper Claudio Bravo is a reported target for Arsenal with Mikel Arteta's side fearful that Bernd Leno could face up to 12 months on the sidelines.
The German goalkeeper suffered a horrific knee injury against Brighton on Saturday as he left the pitch on a stretcher after landing awkwardly following an aerial challenge from Neal Maupay.
Arsenal are waiting to see if he has suffered cruciate knee ligament damage, which would see him out of action for a year.
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The North London giants have Emiliano Martinez to rely on at the moment, with the Argentinian ace enjoying his best season in terms of appearances made at the club.
But Arteta could look to add experience, with Bravo - who he worked with at the Etihad - claimed to be a possible target, as well as Burnley's Joe Hart.
According to Spanish journalist Kike Marin, Bravo, 37, is seen an attractive option for Arsenal as he approaches the end of his contract at City.
He : "Mikel Arteta knows that he is a reliable goalkeeper and he still has a couple of years of football left."
Bravo has had just one season as City's No1 choice shot-stopper since joining from Barcelona in 2016.
Following the arrival from Ederson a year later, the Chilean international has been limited to just seven Premier League appearances in the last three campaigns.
But he has appeared in 16 games in all competitions this term - including the Carabao Cup final against Aston Villa which City won 2-1.
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Prior to Arsenal's reported interest in the two-time Copa America champion, Pep Guardiola had stated that Bravo was to sign a short-term deal until the end of the season.
The Citizens gaffer said: "He’s going to stay until the end of the season like David [Silva]. He had a hamstring problem.
"He arrived incredibly well, he stayed all the lockdown here with his kids, they are so happy in England."