Source: Daily_Mail
Arsene Wenger boosts Manuel Almunia, but Arsenal boss has eyes on Lyon's Hugo Lloris
Manuel Almunia has been told by Arsene Wenger that he will remain Arsenal's No 1goalkeeper. [LNB]But as the Spaniard prepares to face Wolves today he may be interested in the rave review Wenger has given fellow Frenchman Hugo Lloris, the 22-year-old Lyon keeper who starred in the Champions League midweek frustration of Liverpool.[LNB]'A fantastic keeper who will be a fantastic keeper in the future,' was Wenger's warm plaudit about the young man who has taken over the France No.1 jersey and could be a star of the World Cup finals if France get past Ireland in the play-offs. [LNB]When asked if he though Lloris was France's best keeper for some time, Wenger gave an emphatic 'Yes'. [LNB] Long barrier: Lloris was at his best against Liverpool[LNB]And when asked if he could one day be an Arsenal keeper, Wenger paused, before saying: 'I don't know. At the moment we don't need a keeper.' [LNB]No 1 - for now: Almunia[LNB]Spurs and AC Milan showed interest before Lloris left his home town club Nice to join Lyon at the start of last season and it is a certainty that Wenger has been charting his progress.[LNB]First refusal may be the nearest Arsenal are to signing him right now but Almunia knows he has to impress in a position that Wenger feels is full of 'negative stress'.[LNB]Almunia produced one stunning save during Wednesday's 4-1 Champions League win over AZ Alkmaar, to suggest his early season doubts are behind him. Wenger added: 'He needs a few games for match fitness but I'm not worried about him.[LNB]'The break he had gave him a good breather. I feel he was a bit affected by the mistakes he made against Portsmouth but overall, I would not have dropped him if he had not been sick.'[LNB]Almunia already has Italian Vito Mannone as front line competition at Arsenal but it's the shadow of Lloris that could be the most prominent. [LNB] Wolves boss Mick McCarthy vows to attack in-form Arsenal ARSENAL FC
