Whilst Arsene Wenger’s main priority this summer will be finding a world-class striker, he has a few other niggly issues that he’ll need to resolve.
With Bacary Sagna leaving the club, he’ll need to sign another right-back. If Thomas Vermaelen leaves, he’ll need to sign another centre-back (or two). Then there’s the goalkeeping situation. With Lukasz Fabianski on the way to Swansea City, The Gunners will need on the hunt for a new second choice goalkeeper this summer.
This may sound a little strange, but Fabianksi may prove to be difficult to replace. Yes, he started his Arsenal career poorly (he was known as ‘Flappyhandski’ at one stage) but over the years he’s developed into a decent option.
He was an integral part of Arsenal’s FA Cup winning side last season, demonstrating his shot-stopping ability and his quality-under-pressure in a penalty shoot-out against Wigan. Who else can provide The Gunners with this, whilst also being prepared to spend a significant stretch of the season warming the bench?
This brings me to The Mirror‘s claim that Arsenal are in the market to sign Real Madrid’s legendary goalkeeper, Iker Casillas. It looks like Arsenal are chasing a serious upgrade in this position.
Casillas’ fortunes have waxed and waned over the last year or so. He’s no longer a nailed on starter at the Bernabeu where Diego Lopez is providing him with some serious competition. He’s still got three years left on his contract, but given his current position, Madrid may well consider him replaceable.
What’s more, given that Casillas has been with Real Madrid since 1999, making 678 appearances, there’s a chance that he’d fancy a change of scenery. Now that he’s 33-years-old and his career is winding down, it wouldn’t be surprising if he opted to move to a new League and a new challenge.
What this move would mean for Arsenal’s current number one, Wojciech Szczesny, remains to be seen. The Polish ace is good, but he doesn’t have half the reputation or experience of Casillas. Luckily, he has the advantage of youth. I’m sure he’d learn a lot under Casillas’ tutelage.
This doesn’t exactly look like a perfect fit, but if the Spanish stopper is available at a fair price, I’m sure Arsene Wenger could make it work. It’s about time that The Professor went after some quality options in this department any way.
What’s your take? Should The Gunners move in for Iker Casillas?
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