Arsenal step up pursuit of new goalkeeper
Arsenal's hopes of silverware this season rest in what some consider the not-too-capable hands of Manuel Almunia and Jens Lehmann, however despite the impressive displays of Lukasz Fabianski and Wojciech Szczesny before getting injured, they are expected to bring in a new goalkeeper this summer.
The Daily Mail are reporting that Gianluigi Buffon, who many would still rate as one of, if not the, best in the world, is a potential target, with it looking increasingly likely that he will end his decade-long association with sleeping Serie A giants Juventus at the end of the season.
The Italian shot-stopper's recent injury problems and hefty wage demands would represent significant hurdles, given the wage cap in operation at the Emirates, but his agent Silvano Martina has done nothing to discourage an approach from the north Londoners.
He said: "There is no contact with Arsenal. I know that they need a goalkeeper, and of course they are a very important club, but I have not had any contact."
Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror claim that Arsene Wenger could be tempted to shop closer to home and rival Manchester City for Blackpool's soon-to-be out-of-contract Scotland custodian Matt Gilks, who is expected to depart Bloomfield Road if they fail to secure Premier League survival.
The Seasiders are [2.24] second favourites for the drop and their dip in form after a promising start to the campaign did coincide with their number one breaking his knee cap at West Ham in November. He has admitted though that he will be tempted to stay if they remain in the top-flight.
But while it looks like Arsenal will be busy during pre-season, right now they have to rely on Almunia and Lehmann, while it is suggested that Szczesny will play again this term, and a lack of faith in them by punters is a factor in the Gunners being [4.3] to win the title despite controlling their own destiny.
Can Arsenal finish first with Almunia in goal? Share your thoughts below...
Published: 31 Mar 2011
Arsenal (March 31, 2011 10:00 AM) said:
I cannot understand WHY don't we buy a top player....
like sneijder (who probably will become utd)
neymar (who probably will become chelsea)
sveinsteiger
clichy is not renewing and if we dont get coentrao probably will be taking the season with gibbs...
UCHENNA OPARA (March 31, 2011 12:47 PM) said:
yea, arsenal can sti win the league with almunia in post with this condition...if the defence protect him very well with the attack scoring more goals than the opponet