Arsenal home in on new goalkeeper after Arsene Wenger questions Manuel Almunia's mental toughness

08 July 2010 12:08
Arsene Wenger will make an announcement on the goalkeeping situation at Arsenal after the World Cup after expressing concern at the mental fragility of current No 1 Manuel Almunia.   [LNB]The Gunners boss, speaking to Kenya newspaper The Standard, was quoted as saying: 'Manuel Almunia is a talented goalkeeper. In training, he is superb,the only problem is that he gets nervous on big matches, thereby makingsilly mistakes. [LNB]'After the World Cup, we will be making an announcement on goalkeeping.'[LNB] Out of chances? Manuel Almunia's time as Arsenal No 1 appears to be up[LNB]The Gunners' vulnerability between the sticks came under the spotlight last season with both Spaniard Almunia and his deputy Lukasz Fabianski prone to the odd high-profile error. [LNB]With only youngsters Vito Mannone, 22, and Wojciech Szczesny, the 20-year-old Pole who impressed while on loan at Brentford, as back-up, it has been suggested Wenger could move for an experienced stopper this summer. [LNB]Fulham's Mark Schwarzer has emerged as a transfer target for Wenger. Portugal stopper Eduardo, another keeper tipped to make the move to north London, has completed a move from SC Brada to Genoa. Argentina's World Cup No 1 Sergio Romero has also been linked with the Gunners.[LNB]Wenger has already strengthened his squad this summer with the arrivals of Marouane Chamakh, the Morocco striker, and  promising French centre-back Laurent Koscielny.  [LNB] Costly errors: Arsenal lost games last season after Almunia gaffes,including when Spurs' Danny Rose blasted past the flapping keeper(above) and when he pushed Nani's cross into his own net againstManchester United (below)[LNB] [LNB] [LNB]Speculation continues as to whether captain Cesc Fabregas, part of the Spain squad which has reached Sunday's World Cup final, will be at Emirates Stadium next season, as Barcelona continue to chase their former trainee.  [LNB] Arsenal have already rejected one £30million bid. Despite the midfielder having told Wenger he wants to go back to the Nou Camp, the Gunners boss insisted: 'I do not see him leaving soon.'[LNB]Meanwhile Wenger maintains Fabio Capello's decision to leave Theo Walcott out of the England World Cup squad was a mistake.   [LNB]The 21-year-old was a shock omission from the final 23-man squad for South Africa, as the Italian coach instead preferred Manchester City's Shaun Wright-Phillips and Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon.   [LNB] On the radar: Fulham's Mark Schwarzer has been linked with the Gunners[LNB]However, after the Three Lions' wretched World Cup campaign - which ended with a 4-1 defeat to Germany in the last 16 - the Gunners forward, who had struggled with injury last season, looks set to be brought back into the fold for the Euro 2012 qualifiers.   [LNB]Walcott was part of the Under-21 squad which reached the final of their European Championship campaign during the summer of 2009 and also an unused member of the senior 2006 World Cup party.   [LNB]Wenger believes the former Southampton star could have made the difference for England in South Africa.  [LNB] Speaking to Kenya newspaper The Standard, Wenger said: 'It was a big mistake. Walcott is a player who can change a game upside down in the second half in your favour. He has speed and can cause a lot of problems for the opponents.'[LNB] Melo edges closer to Arsenal move as Juventus admit they will listen to offersWright-Phillips in transfer tussle between Spurs, Liverpool and ArsenalArsenal complete signing of Lorient defender Koscielny in £8.5m dealFabregas showdown: Barcelona track down Wenger for urgent deal talks [LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail