Source: Daily_Mail
Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia may leave the club
Manuel Almunia insists he could quit Arsenal after revealing that Arsene Wenger's hunt for a new goalkeeper has left him disillusioned.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.The Frenchman is keen to bring in a new No 1 after being left unimpressed by Almunia's performances last season. Current No 1: Manuel Almunia in action for Arsenal in their opening league match at Liverpool on SundayAlmunia, 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.He said: 'To be honest, it is so difficult to concentrate becauseArsenal is a big club and speculation is always in the news andeverywhere.'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.'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.Frustrated: Manuel Almunia'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.'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.'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.'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.' On the move? Mark Schwarzer watched Fulham's clash with Bolton on Saturday from the stands 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.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.'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.'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.' 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