Arsenal are closing in on the free transfer of German goalkeeper Markus Schubert, formerly of Dynamo Dresden, according to reports.

U20 Germany v U20 Italy International Friendly 1558346697
CHEMNITZ, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 09: Markus Schubert of Germany looks on prior the Under 20 International Friendly match between U20 of Germany and U20 of Italy at community4you Arena on November 9, 2017, in Chemnitz, Germany. (Photo by Thomas Eisenhuth/Bongarts/Getty Images)

The Independent report that although the deal isn’t officially completed, Arsenal are close enough to finalising the signing that they’re already speaking to various clubs about loaning him out next season.

The Gunners have reportedly already been in contact with Championship clubs and teams back in Germany about a temporary transfer for the incoming goalkeeper, so they must be pretty confident.

Sven Mislintat was reportedly initially behind the deal for Schubert, despite leaving the club many months ago now.

Schubert was playing his football in the 2. Bundesliga last season, for Dynamo Dresden. He kept nine clean sheets in 32 games for the bottom-half second division side, before losing his place once it became clear he was going to run down his contract to its expiry.

The young goalkeeper, who celebrated his 21st birthday earlier this week, is highly rated in Germany. He’s played at every youth level for the national team, from the u17s to the u21s.

Schubert is obviously going to find it a bit more difficult to make the first team whilst Manuel Neuer, Bernd Leno and Marc-Andre ter Stegen are still around. Joining a high-profile club like Arsenal should help him achieve that goal in the future though.