Arsenal Transfer News: Arsene Wenger Linked With Move For Mark Schwarzer

It is a move that has been expected to happen all summer, but never did mainly because of Fulham's unwillingness to let their No. 1 goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer leave. Arsene Wenger has still yet to sign a new No. 1 goalkeeper for the Gunners.

Schwarzer was essential in Fulham's miraculous run to the Europa League final, and has been remarkable during his 11-year tenure at Middlesbrough and his time at Fulham since joining them in 2008, Schwarzer is at the correct age and has the experience Arsene Wenger has been seeking.

It is reported that Mark Schwarzer has been offered a coaching role after retiring from football, and his age is proof that this is his last chance to end his career on a high, he also will not hinder the development of the young keepers, seeing how he might have no more than three years, after which will retire.

The Situation So Far

Arsenal have offered Fulham  £3.5m, but the Cottagers have turned down the offer.

The media has speculated that Schwarzer handed in a transfer request to make way for the final move of his career. On the 13th of August Mark Hughes confirmed that Mark Schwarzer has indeed handed in a transfer request to force his move to Arsenal.

With less than two weeks left for transfer market to close, Arsenal and Fulham are yet to reach an agreement.

On August 14th, Shay Given has been left on the bench Manchester City's game against Tottenham, with Roberto Mancini stating that he would like Shay Given to stay with the team, however he plans to keep Joe Hart as the number one goalkeeper for the citizens.

On the 18th of August, Arsenal legend David Seaman stated that he would love to see Mark Schwarzer as the number one goalkeeper for the Gunners, and that Arsene Wenger must do all he can to reach an agreement with Fulham.

Seaman also stated that the Australia International, stating that Schwarzer is "tried and true" and that Schwarzer is a world class goalkeeper that can make Arsenal win games.

Conclusion

Arsene Wenger has less than two weeks to make a move for Schwarzer or Given, Manuel Almunia's lack of concentration led to a goal from the near post in the Liverpool game, despite Almunia making crucial saves he is not consistent enough to hold the number one spot.

Schwarzer would be the wisest choice, seeing how the Australian already has his heart set on moving to N5 and joining Wenger's squad.

It remains to be seen whether the Arsenal manager will sign Mark Schwarzer or not, but from the fans beseeching Arsene Wenger coupled with the goal scored against Arsenal in the Liverpool game, one thing is plainly obvious.

Signing a new goalkeeper is a must.