It has been reported that Arsene Wenger will make an enquiry to the F.A about attaining an emergency loan goalkeeper following the injury sustained to Wojciech Szczesny on Tuesday night against Barcelona.
The Frenchman told the media today that Szczesny will be out of action for a ‘while’, which has left him considering a move for a temporary substitute.
Manuel Almunia has taken up the position between the posts for now, and is currently the only fit goalkeeper Wenger has at his disposal. Whilst second-choice goalkeeper, Lukasz Fabianski, has been ruled out for the season after undergoing surgery to his shoulder injury he picked up in January against Manchester City.
Wenger has since recalled reserve team keeper James Shea early from his loan spell with Southampton, and is rumoured to be on the bench this Saturday at Old Trafford.
Vito Mannone is another option for the Arsenal boss to ponder over. However, the Italian goalkeeper, who is currently on-loan at Hull City, has picked up a knock and it is unknown how long he will be out for.
So, if given permission by the F.A, who should Wenger look to aqcuire?
My personal preference would have been Shay Given, but he is set to undergo surgery on an injured shoulder which would more than likely rule him out for the season. However, even if he the Irishman were fit, I think Roberto Mancini would have been extremely reluctant to lend him out to the Gunners, especially whilst they are right below them in the Premier League table. A more realistic target for Wenger to consider would be Newcastle’s second-choice goalkeeper Tim Krul. He looks very assertive for a player so young, has Premier League experience, and would no doubt do a fine job for the Gunners if brought in until Szczesny recovers. Blackpool’s Matt Gilks, who was once linked with a move to Arsenal, would also make a good addition.
That’s my opinion, what yours? Give us your thoughts
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I think Shay Given would be excellent to loan out but don’t see that happening. I think Tim Krul is a realistic target but knowing wenger he’ll probably get someone that know one has heard of.
F.A wont allow it, so we wont be getting in anyone
From what I’ve heard, Mannone will be out for upto six weeks, so obviously no point there. I’ve heard Chris Kirkland’s name bandied around a bit as well, obviously a decent keeper, but he’d probably just get injured knowing out luck.