The £13m solution to Arsenal’s big problem:

One of the saddest stories of Arsenal’s season has been the decline of Wojciech Szczesny.

The young Pole, once tipped to be Arsenal’s goal-keeping salvation, seems to have finally succumbed to the Gunner’s goalie-curse.

When the loud-mouthed shot-stopper first burst onto the scene, he hit Arsenal fans like a breath of fresh air.

He patrolled his penalty area like a panther, got in attackers faces, held himself like a champions and quickly wrote his way in Arsenal fan’s good books.

His height and athleticism helps him get across the penalty area quickly and he’s more than capable of some absolutely stunning saves.

Unfortunately however, last season saw doubt creep into his game, followed by a slew of errors. Spills, drops and gifting easy goals are now the order of the day.

As a result, he’s had to spend an enforced period of times on the bench this season, watching Lukasz Fabianski take his place in the side. It can’t be easy for him, but it’s certainly not too late. He can still re-build his career and make something of himself at Arsenal.

In the meantime, however, Arsene Wenger needs to make certain that the Gunners have a man between the sticks who can be relied upon. That’s why Arsenal have been linked to a whole host of goalkeepers over the last six months.

The latest of which is Sporting Lisbon’s ace keeper, Rui Patricio. The Express claim he is Wenger’s ‘top choice’ for a summer switch. The 25-year-old is valued at £13m – a figure that a newly flush Arsenal side probably wouldn’t shy away from.

Patricio has bags of experience (200 appearances for Sporting and he’s Portugal’s number one) and has proved himself at the top level. His shot-stopping is up there with anybody in the game’s, but, most importantly, he has a calm head on his shoulders.

He’s not one to make rash decisions, or commit errors (at least not regularly). Patricio, who has been a one club man, may well fancy a change in scenery. The draw of a big club like Arsenal may well be enough to tempt him over to the Premier League.

And then Szczesny would have a real challenge on his hands. If he comes out on the other side as Arsenal’s number one, Wenger will know he’s onto a winner.

What’s your take? Would Rui Patricio fit in nicely at the Emirates?

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