“My own personal situation isn’t ideal, as everyone knows, and we’ll see what happens over the next couple of months. I want to be playing football and so hopefully something will happen in the New Year. It’s frustrating and I’m not coping very well, to be honest.”
These are the words of Shay Given today after the Irishman hinted that he may have to leave Manchester City this January in order to attain first-team action on a regular basis, and has chosen either Arsenal or Manchester United as his preferred destination…could this be the news all Arsenal fans have been waiting for?
The 34-year-old lost his place to Joe Hart towards the end of last season and has ever since played second fiddle to the 23-year-old Englishman. Given has not made one appearance for City so far this season, and looks to have run out of patience at Eastland’s…no doubt music to our ears hey guys.
The Gunners have really struggled to find a top notch replacement since David Seaman left the club in 2003, mind you; Jens Lehmann did a pretty decent job up until 2008. We currently have two noticeable goalkeepers on our books, Manuel Almunia (33) and Lukasz Fabianski (25), both yet to prove to the fans that they are indeed Arsenal number ones.
Personally, I don’t know why Almunia is still at the club to be honest. A lot of his mistakes cost us a sufficient amount of points last season, and this season the Spaniard hasn’t done any better…I’m really glad to see him out of the team. On the other hand, I must say Fabianski has turned a corner, and has impressed me between the sticks this season. The Polish keeper had a horrid start to his Arsenal career and last season didn’t help his cause either. However this season he has fought back well and grown in confidence which is good to see. I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t like him as our keeper, but I have to give credit for his performances so far. He is a great shot-stopper but still needs to work on his positioning and mental attributes. Personally, I hope he can keep his good form going throughout the entire season, but doubt he will. Arsenal also have Wojciech Szczesny (20) within their ranks, but many believe the Pole is the future of the club, not the present.
Taking everything into account, would I welcome Shay Given to Arsenal if Wenger does acquire him this January? You better believe it. The fact is Arsenal needs a good and experienced goalkeeper amongst their squad if they intend to end their trophy drought, and although Fabianski is doing well at the moment, fans (including me) are still sceptical of the Pole.
Other clubs are interested in the Irishman, and if Wenger at least attempted to sign the keeper but was beaten to the punch, then we’ll say fair enough, you tried. However, if the Frenchman doesn’t even attempt to land the City goalkeeper then I (and I’m sure many other Arsenal fans) will be very annoyed. If Arsenal want the chance to lift the Premier League title in May next year, then Wenger must seriously consider the prospect of landing the City keeper at any price this January. Please give the fans what they want this winter Wenger…sign Shay Given.
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Wenger should definately get Shay Given, he is a quality keeper and is consistent. He is exactly what the club need to win titles. I think he is likely to come to Arsenal because I doubt Man City would sell to Man Utd.
I know Fabianski looks good at the moment but I don’t feel comfortable with him in goal, and I’m sure he’ll make a more mistakes which will cost us big (like he did against Newcastle).
I hope Wenger bids for him.