Former Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann believes Marc-Andre ter Stegen would be ideal for Barcelona.
The Borussia Monchengladbach stopper has been widely linked with a move to the Catalans as they seek a replacement for Victor Valdes, who is out of contract at the end of the season and has already announced his intention to leave.
German international Lehmann, who also numbers Schalke, Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Stuttgart among his former clubs, is in a good position to evaluate the 21-year-old, as he told Marca.
“Ter Stegen would be a great goalkeeper for Barca. He would adapt well to La Liga, is good with both feet, and would suit Barca well.
“I can see him more in Spain than in the Premier League. Yes, he lacks experience and won’t be going to the World Cup. On the other hand, neither will a lot of others.”
Lehmann, who is now a commentator on German television, revealed that he could have joined Real Madrid in 1998.
“A Madrid representative rang me and said they wanted to sign me. However, I chose Milan because at the time Serie A was considered better than La Liga.
“It was a mistake…I should have signed for Madrid,” lamented the 44-year-old, who considers Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer and Petr Cech of Chelsea as the best two ‘keepers in the world.
“Those two are the best. Cech plays in England and to do that you need to dominate your area, otherwise you are lost.
“Iker Casillas, for example, would not do well. Neither would Victor Valdes, because the referees do not protect you and the players there are much taller.
“I’m not saying Casillas and Valdes are not top ‘keepers, but in England they would have it bad, very bad,” claimed Lehmann.
