Arsenal Keeper Prospect: Mark Schwarzer or Eduardo?

After 2009/2010 saw Arsenal once again fail to attract any silverware, it has sparked the fans' patience and now they are demanding changes be implemented into the Arsenal roster. Thankfully, manager Arsene Wenger has obliged, securing the services of Lorient defender Laurent Koscienly for around £ 9 million and Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh as a free agent.

Now Wenger turns his attention to the keeper role, which is seen by all as the No. 1 problem which the Frenchman continually neglects. Since the departure of Jens Lehman in 2008, Arsenal have struggled to maintain a consistent figure between the sticks.

Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski have both tried and failed as Arsenal No. 1. Both have the tendency to make vital errors or ill decisions costing Arsenal dearly. Both have their moments and, granted, they have performed credibly over the years, but there is no denying a replacement is needed.

The Gunners do boast boom youngsters Vito Mannone and Wojciech Szczensy in their keeping ranks, but the pair still require another decent loan in order to groom them for the top job.

Wenger has been in touch with a number of quality keeper and it seems evident that it is down to two: Fulham's Mark Schwarzer and Sporting Braga's Eduardo.

The pair both impressed with their respective countries at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and although it seemed Schwarzer was destined to don the red and white, it is now a dead heat between the veteran pair.

Who would you prefer?

Mark Schwarzer

Before and during the World Cup it was certain Wenger was to sign Schwarzer on a short-term deal and for very little. However, that appears to have disintegrated, but there is still every chance the Australian will still put pen to paper with the Gunners.

Many view the 37-year-old Fulham shot stopper as past his prime but his recent performance with the Socceroos and Fulham beg to differ. Schwarzer would be the ideal stand in whilst Szczensy and Mannone mature.

The former Middlesbrough keeper is blessed with amazing reflexes as well as safe hands and decision making. Schwarzer also possess great composure when under pressure and rarely makes silly errors. Furthermore, Schwarzer has great experience than Eduardo in the Premier League.

However, whether or not he'd prove a better option than Eduardo remains to be unseen.

Eduardo 

The Portuguese No. 1 enjoyed a solid World Cup campaign and now with Sporting Braga rumoured to be offering their reliant keeper to the Gunners for as little as £ 3.4 million, Eduardo looks a smart option for Wenger.

The 27-year-old has been a constant figure in the Braga goal and many feel he is ready to step up into the Premier League or La Liga. Quick on his feet and boasting reliable hands, Eduardo would be a fine option as the Arsenal No. 1.

Time will tell for who Wenger opts for, but as many fans say, "In Wenger we trust." Rest assured, as long as Wenger does sign a new keeper it will ensure many fans will stay happy.