Iker Casillas has faced long spells out on the sidelines this season, due to injuries and a big falling out with Jose Mourinho. His reputation has taken a hammering as a result, but he’s still one of the best goal-keepers in the world. His questionable position at Madrid has seen him linked to Arsenal.
And according to The Star, the same is true for Victor Valdes, who they claim is game for a move to the Emirates.
Valdes is now 31-years-old and only has a year left on his Barcelona contract. It doesn’t look like a new deal will be signed, so there’s every chance he’ll move on this summer, whilst his club can still recieve a transfer fee.
The Spanish International has won just about everything there is to win with Barcelona and experienced everything La Liga has to offer (multiple times). Whilst he has certainly established himself as a Barca legend, he may well feel that the time is right for him to move on.
Arsenal, on the other hand, seem to be a bit miffed when it comes to their goalkeepers.
Wojciech Szczesny, the Gunner’s former number one, lost his place in the side as a result of ‘mentality’ issues. In other words, too many mistakes had begun to creep into his game and he had completed his transformation from ‘safe hands’ into ‘a liability’.
I don’t think this calls his long-term Arsenal future into question, but in the short-term, something needs to be done. Lukasz Fabianski has come in to hold the fort, but the feeling remains that the Gunners can do better in this department.
Valdes would certainly be a step up. The experienced Spaniard is a terrific shot-stopper and knows how to control and command his penalty area. He’s someone who could come in and have an immediate effect on this Arsenal side both on the pitch and off it as a mentor for Szczesny.
The Star claim that ex-Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas gave his former club a glowing reference and that Valdes is keen on a move.
He’d be cheaper than Casillas and is probably a better fit for Arsenal. As a result, it’s a bit of a no-brainer: Valdes would be an awesome addition for this Arsenal side.
What’s your take? Should the Gunners be on the hunt for Victor Valdes?
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i preffer cassiles
he is the best goal keeper that i know
and he has the record of penelty saving
he has more clean save in international and clup
he is 1st in his country where valdes is 2nd
he is a leader in country and clup more then every keeper
he can add more then valdes as i bleave
and he will bring as more confidence in our devence
It is worthwhile to step in and bring Valdes. He is in the likes of seaman and Lehman. These were experienced players who could comand their deffences well. Probabley it explains why strikers could not easily beat them on one-one. Valdes cant be intimidated by any sort of a striker unlike our inexperienced current keepers. However, AW should know that goal keepers are good if they have good defenders. In this case, i would surgest AW let go of TV, bring in Williams from swansea and then a defensive midfielder in the likes of Etien coupe or Mvilla to do the donkey work. These with Valdes and the talent Arsenal has may be plus one complete striker say Benteke who has the EPL experience or Jovetic can bring silver ware to Arsenal.