The goalkeeping situation at Arsenal has caused the club a world of pain in recent years. Since David Seaman left the club (or perhaps, since Jens Lehmann left, if we’re being kind), the Gunners have been unable to find an effective, long-term number one.
Thinking back to the times when Manuel Almunia was Arsenal’s number one, or some of Lukasz ‘Flappyhandski’ Fabianski’s exploits makes me cringe.
Whilst Fabianski (who is still at the club) has improved in recent years, the feeling remains that Arsenal are weak in this area.
Arsenal’s current number one, Wojciech Szczesny looks like he could develop into the real deal, but there are concerns over whether he’s currently capable of delivering the goods on a regular basis. Some are positioning him as ‘one for the future’, rather than somebody who can be relied upon in the present tense.
So what are we to make of The Mirror‘s claim that Arsenal are set to ‘lose out’ on Barcelona’s super keeper, Victor Valdes?
The Spaniard has been at the Nou Camp for eleven years now and seems to fancy a new challenge. His contract expires at the end of the season, when he’ll be available on a free transfer.
At this stage, I’m sure there’ll be plenty of interested parties and Arsenal’s name has been listed among the clubs said to be sniffing around.
Unfortunately for the Gunners, the super stopper recently spoke about his desire to move to French football: “Ligue 1 attracts me a lot – Monaco or elsewhere in France. This is one of my options. [My future] is in the hands of my representatives. But Monaco is a good option.”
This news may upset some Arsenal fans, but I can’t help but feel that the time is right for the club to back Szczesny to the hilt. Whilst I understand that he can be a bit rash and is capable of making bad decisions, there’s also little doubt that he’s one of the best young keepers in the game.
Given time to improve, he could develop into something very special indeed. But he needs the confidence of the fans and the backing of his manager.
Arsene Wenger has already brought in Emiliano Viviano to provide the Polish keeper with some competition. This for me is action enough. It’s time for Arsenal to stop worrying about other options and start working with what they’ve got.
What’s your take? Do Arsenal need to sign another top keeper?
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