Arsenal Transfer Rumors: Gunners Must Fill Needs Before Pursuing Hugo Lloris

Hugo Lloris has become a popular transfer target after playing well for France in Euro 2012, but Arsenal shouldn't pursue the goalkeeper until it fills other holes on the roster.

Lloris' current team, Lyon, has said it would be willing to move him for the right price, according to the Daily Mail. The report mentions a trio of Premier League sides that are interested, including the Gunners. Tottenham and Liverpool are also mentioned.

While it's easy to see why so many teams would be hoping to land the 25-year-old keeper, Arsenal must tread carefully because it's not a position they truly need. It would be more of a luxury upgrade at this point, and those tend to get costly.

Wojciech Szczesny took over the role as the team's No. 1 keeper last season and handled it well. He recorded 18 clean sheets in 48 games across all competitions. His play during the middle of the season actually kept the Gunners alive so they could make a late run at a Champions League spot.

At 22, he should continue to grow as a keeper and start to limit the poor decisions that have plagued him at times. He's more than capable of holding down the job for a long time if the team exercises a little patience, which makes Arsenal's interest in Lloris odd.

After all, they have more pressing matters to attend to right now. The most important one being the future of superstar striker Robin van Persie.

It's hard to get a clear read on what the future holds for him after a tremendous campaign leading the Arsenal attack. The rumor mill continues to work overtime, but Arsene Wenger and Co. have to do whatever it takes to convince him Emirates is where he should stay.

Assuming they are able to fend off interested teams for at least one more season, Wenger should still be searching for an upgrade or two in the midfield. Arsenal didn't have enough offensive depth last season, an issue they have started to address with Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud.

If they are able to bring the Van Persie drama to an end—at least for now—and improve the midfield, then it would be time to look into Lloris. At least then it wouldn't feel like the Gunners are sacrificing other areas for another goalkeeper.

Should a rival team land him before that point, it wouldn't be a major concern. Arsenal should feel confident going into another season with Szczesny between the pipes.

Wenger has handled the market really well so far. He can't let it get away from him now with one overzealous move.