Given Arsenal’s current goal-keeping situation, it wouldn’t surprise me if Arsene Wenger elected to sign an experienced pair of gloves during the summer transfer window.
Since Jens Lehmann left the club, the Gunners have had to make do with a number of inexperienced keepers attempting to make the number one jersey their own.
First their was Manuel Almunia, the Spainiard who couldn’t seem to stomach the pressure of playing for a big club (but who is currently excelling with Watford). Then there was Lukasz Fabianski, who earned the nickname ‘Flappyhandksi’ not long into his Arsenal career. Finally, there was Wojciech Szczesny, who was dressed up as the Gunner’s next big hope.
The Pole ascended through the ranks and secured the goalkeeping position following a string of strong performances. Unfortunately, he’s got the same erroneous streak as all of Arsenal’s other keepers. This season has seen him dropped, Arsene Wenger questioning his mentality and he has also suffered the indignity of seeing Fabianski take his place in the side.
With all this in mind, I can only hope that Arsenal do look at bringing in some quality in this position during the summer. The Gunners just can’t afford to leak goals at the back anymore. If challenging for silverware is to be a genuine aim next season, defensive solidity is to be a must.
This brings me to The Express‘ claim that Arsenal have already contacted Victor Valdes’ agent over a potential summer move. It’s even thought that Arsenal could sign him for as little as £4.25m. That’s an astounding figure for a player with his level of experience.
Yes, he’s 31-years-old, but age isn’t really an issue for goal-keepers until they hit their late 30s. What’s more, with age comes experience. Valdes has seen just about everything the game has to offer.
As for his credentials, he wouldn’t have survived at Barcelona for so long if he wasn’t the real deal. He’s an expert shot-stopper, commands his area well and isn’t afraid to challenge for the ball when it’s put in dangerous areas. He’s not the best organiser of a defense, but I’d argue that Arsenal’s Per Mertesacker is more than capable of this.
Arsenal may have to offer more to make a deal happen, but it’d certainly be a worthy investment. Valdes would be the perfect platform to build off of over the next couple of seasons.
What’s your take? Would you like to see this Barcelona ace make a move to the Emirates?
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I think if wenger can make a move valdes tinz ll b fine 4 arsenal next season.But i wnt wenger 2 knw that we need blockin 4 in order to make our middlfield strong.
wenger please bring back song and forget about a goal keeper atleast we can manage the ones we have please wenger
ARSENAL HAS THE POOREST ABILITY IN DEFENDING AREA BALL.TEAMS LIKE BOLTON WANDERERS, STOKE CITY, SUNDERLAND AND EVEN MOURINHO CHELSEA BENEFITED FROM THIS A LOT. YET THIS IS THE WEAKEST POINT OF VICTOR VALDES. WATCH BAYERN BARCA AND SOME LA LIGA HIGHLIGHTS.
OMG… I SHUDNT HAVE GONE THROUGH DIS POST… WE KUD GET JULIO CEASER FOR DAT SAME PRICE.. WAT IN HELLS NAME..DO WE NEED DAT BASKET FOR??? WHY ARE WE EVEN LINKED TO SUCH A KEEPER, HEZ BARCAZ WORST NIGHTMERE..ALL D EPL KEEPERS ARE FAR BETA DAN VALDES…. IF ARSENAL SIGNZ HIM..DEN WENGER HAS MADE HEZ WORST EVA SIGNING.. BELIEVE ME, BARCA WUD HAPPILY TRADE VALDES FOR SCZEZNEY AND EVEN HAND US AN EXTRA £5M ONTOP OF IT
arsenal does not need valdes what arsenal need is new direction and new director(s)
No mr wenger forget about valdes he’s a floop.kindly sign stdart players.pls
We shud take jceasar instead of valdes who’s sometimes furious endin’ up gettin red cards.
Goal keeping is not Arsenal major problem.We have defensive midfield problems.Wenger should return Barca’s money and bring back SONG or go for West Ham’s Mohamed Diame or Lyon’s Gonalons. Then pay for Jovetic and bring back Frienpong from loan. Then Arsenal can fight in all fronts.
Wemger should please forget about keeper for now, we are ok with d present keepers, what we need is strong defenders & midfielders ie Song, Fabrigas Nasril & world class attackers / strikers. If we could get Song, Fabrigas & Nasril back then there is hope in d next season.
i dont thnk valdes is a gud keeper, let wenger go for iker or ceasor
I’m not ahuge fan of Valdes’, but he’s better than what we’ve got.
we do,nt need Valdez we ned defensive mid and striker