Recent reports have linked Arsenal with a January move for Sunderland shot-stopper Simon Mignolet.
Well, currently, Wojciech Szczesny has no one amongst the ranks really threatening his position in the starting line-up. Lukasz Fabianski has fallen down the pecking order and will probably depart the club next month or in the summer. Vito Mannone, Arsenal’s third-choice keeper, did well in Szcz’s absence at the start of the season but the Italian has found himself on the bench yet again and will more than likely be loaned out again or sold, while Damian Martinez is still learning his trade.
So I think it’s fair to say, this area needs to be strengthened and acquiring a goalkeeper, shall we say, is definitely, or should be, on the cards when the window opens in eight days time.
We have been linked with a number of shot-stoppers already – Jack Butland, Ali Al-Habsi, Asmir Begovic and Pepe Reina are all on the list. And while the latter of the lot remains Wenger’s preferred choice, the Spaniard’s price-tag may force Le Boss to look elsewhere.
Arsenal chief scout Steve Rowley has reportedly warned the club to steer clear of Begovic and Al-Habsi due to their inconsistency.
Butland would be the ideal signing for me, but the youngster has drawn a lot of interest from several Premier league clubs. So acquiring he may be a bit of a struggle.
Anyway, let’s turn our attention to Mignolet.
Would the Belgium international be an astute signing for The Gunners this winter? Yes, I believe so – if the price is right.
He’s 24 and has Premier League experience, which is a bonus. In addition, he has great reflexes, commands his box well and is a very good shot-stopper. On his day, he is one of the best in his position in the league.
If we were to make an offer for him, I’m sure he would consider a move to The Emirates and the chance to play Champions League football, something he won’t do with Sunderland.
Like I said, we need a keeper to come in and challenge Szcz, and Mignolet could certainly do it.
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And i dont think keeping shezy or mignolet on the bench will be a good idea to both of them.
Yes
A couple of years ago,I heard Bob Wilson being interviewed on the radio.As the talk turned to our defensive frailties,Bob said immediately”We’ve got a goalkeeper and with a bit of luck he’ll be in our goal for many years to come”.Why not sign a veteran like a Friedel or Schwarzer type to provide dependable cover in an emergency while we wait for Martinez to mature into a challenger for szcezny.Shay Given would fit the bill I think.Butland might not want to warm our bench even though he’d be a good signing.Anyway our most urgent requirement is a holding midfielder so Arsene may busy himself with that for now.
I can’t believe Begovic’s is considered too inconsistent…this coming from a guy who obviously ran his eye over Almunia & thought that he was somehow good!! I think Begovic’s is probably in the top 3 goalkeepers in the premeir league since he 1st came on the scene with Portsmouth!! He’s great in the air, he’s only 26 yrs old and he’s probably on a par with joe hart for agility & goalkeeping ability!!
I would pay $8-$12 mill for Begovic’s & be happy in the knowledge that I had signed a keeper who would take us forward. I would like to see sczney go out on loan to a club like west ham or Sunderland because I think managers like big Sam or Martin o Neill would ensure that sczney develops & stops making the stupid mistakes he keeps making which ultimately cost us points!! He’s still very young and a season or 2 on loan learning his trade would mean that at 24 or 25 he’d come back to the club a far better keeper than what he was when he left and more importantly he’d be a far better keeper than if he stayed at arsenal where he hasn’t really developed in the 2 or 3 years that he’s been our 1st choice keeper & I think he’ll continue to not develop at arsenal for as long as we leave him in goals with no pressure on him to perform!!