Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia may leave the club

17 August 2010 00:51
Manuel Almunia insists he could quit Arsenal after revealing that Arsene Wenger's hunt for a new goalkeeper has left him disillusioned.[LNB]Wenger is close to signing Fulham veteran Mark Schwarzer, although he could be tempted with a swoop for out-of-favour Manchester City stopper Shay Given.[LNB]The Frenchman is keen to bring in a new No 1 after being left unimpressed by Almunia's performances last season.[LNB] Current No 1: Manuel Almunia in action for Arsenal in their opening league match at Liverpool on Sunday[LNB]Almunia, who captained the side in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Liverpoolat Anfield, has been left reeling by the transfer saga - and admits hisconfidence has taken a big blow.[LNB]He said: 'To be honest, it is so difficult to concentrate becauseArsenal is a big club and speculation is always in the news andeverywhere.[LNB]'The only thing I can do is keep working because I have a contracthere and I have to do what the manager wants from me. I have not spokento him.[LNB]'If somebody comes in, I will have to talk about my future atArsenal. That is it. I cannot talk now, because the talking would befor nothing.[LNB]Frustrated: Manuel Almunia[LNB]'I have to work and if one day I am not good for Arsenal, I will talk. That is no problem. I am very happy here.[LNB]'The only news I have is from third parties - people at the trainingground. When I go out and when I come back from training, I switch off.[LNB]'I try to live in a bubble and give all my attention to my wife.Every morning when I go out training, it is the time to think aboutfootball. But the rest of the day is the time to switch off.[LNB]'It is not easy, though. Every time you go out, people are aroundyou who are football fans. But you have to be polite to everybody andsmile.'[LNB] On the move? Mark Schwarzer watched Fulham's clash with Bolton on Saturday from the stands[LNB] [LNB]Almunia, 33, could be offered an escape route by Aston Villa iftheir No 1 Brad Friedel heads to Fulham to replace Schwarzer - but hehas virtually ruled out joining another English team after spending thepast six seasons in north London.[LNB]He added: 'I don't see anything else outside of Arsenal. It will bevery difficult to play for another team in England if it wasn'tArsenal. Spain would also be difficult.[LNB]'But I am 33 years old and only have a few more years left infootball. I would like to enjoy them. I am a keeper who enjoys playing.'[LNB]On Sunday, Wenger refused to speak about Arsenal's goalkeepingsituation, saying: 'At the moment it is better for me not to talk aboutthat becauseit doesn't help the keepers who play for us.' [LNB] Stockdale ready to replace Arsenal bound Schwarzer as Fulham No 1 Arsenal target Schwarzer is too good to let go, insists Fulham boss HughesSign up to our FREE Fantasy Football game - with £40,000 in prize money up for grabsARSENAL FC

Source: Daily_Mail