Arsenal Transfer News: Buying Emiliano Viviano Is Not Money Well Spent

Rumors have been swirling that Arsenal will make a play for goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano. While he would be a solid addition to any club, he would not add much value for the Gunners.

According to Football Italia, "Arsenal made an initial enquiry two months ago and have reignited that interest in recent days for the 26-year-old."

Viviano has played at a high level and could make a contribution to the team, but he's also coming off ligament damage in his knee. Even though he played well after coming back early this year, a keeper of his size is at risk for further injury.

Wojciech Szczesny has the ability to grow into an elite goalie. The youngster needs mentoring from a mature keeper, though, not competition for his job.

An experienced goalie would be able to guide Szczesny through the rough patches...like the 8-2 defeat at the feet of Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Arsenal already has access to a pair of mid-twenties keepers. While neither is up to the standards of Viviano, Szczesny isn't expected to yield much time as he matures and improves.

Łukasz Fabiański came up short on his promise to overtake Szczesny for first team playing time last season, but he or Vito Mannone are workable in a backup role.

Relative to adding a keeper, Arsenal's attention should be on a player like Brad Friedel who was picked up by Tottenham last year.

Friedel will likely spend one more season with the Spurs as they look his eventual replacement, but he's an example of the kind of player that would improve the team.

Arsenal needs to be active in the transfer market, but would be better served spending their money on a defensive midfielder. Improved play in front of Szczesny would do more to help Arsenal close the gap on the Manchester teams than expanding their goalie pool.