Would Julio Cesar Be a Good Goalkeeper Option for Arsenal?

This weekend's Premier League fixture between Arsenal and QPR presented an interesting scenario between both sets of goalposts.

At the Arsenal end, Wojciech Szczesny continued his renaissance with a sturdy display capped by an outstanding save to deny Loic Remy. Since being recalled after an injury Lukasz Fabianski, Szczesny has displayed improved concentration and confidence.

At the QPR end, one man was conspicuous by his absence: Julio Cesar. After the match, QPR manager Harry Redknapp confirmed the Brazilian had a minor back injury, but followed up with a glowing appraisal of the goalkeeper's ability:

I don't see Julio being here next year. I think he is a player for a top Italian team, a top Spanish team or a top Premier League team. I think he is good enough to play anywhere.

Cesar's omission was particularly intriguing in the light of the fact that prior to the game Redknapp had joked that Arsene Wenger could ask him about the player when the two met at Loftus Road.

Arsenal need a goalkeeper. Szczesny requires competition to produce his best form, and his understudy Lukas Fabianski is prone to both injury and errors.

Arsene Wenger will be loathe to bring in a young goalkeeper who could stifle Szczesny's development. Although there are concerns over the Pole's form this season, his long-term potential is not in doubt. Remarkably, Szczesny is still only 23, and some way from his peak as a goalkeeper.

Julio Cesar is fully ten years older than Arsenal's current keeper. He could pass the benefit of his experience on to to Szczesny, and would not block the younger player's path for years to come.

Arsene Wenger has given consideration to signing an older goalie to challenge Szczesny before. In 2010, he was close to signing Fulham's veteran stopper Mark Schwarzer. In the end, the clubs could not agree a fee, and the deal fell through, much to Schwarzer's disappointment.

Wenger will hope for more luck this time round. With QPR's relegation already confirmed, they will be keen to shed some of the higher earners from the wage bill. Cesar seems an obvious place to start, and Arsenal an obvious destination.

In the short term, Cesar would be an upgrade for the Gunners. According to Squakwa.com, Cesar makes an average of 2.55 saves between each goal conceded. Szczesny makes just 1.78. He's also shown a remarkable ability to win the ball in his own penalty box, succeeding in 100% of his aerial claims.

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