Why Joe Hart Isn't Worth Arsenal's Pursuit

Rumour has it that Arsenal are set to offer five million for Manchester City keeper Joe Hart, the Englishman who was first choice keeper for City for most of the season until Mark Hughes' side invested in Shay Given.

Since the arrival of the experienced Irishman Given, Hart has seen very little playing side, which has troubled the England shot-stopper due to his hunger to represent England at South Africa in 2010.

Arsenal are apparently very keen on the youngster, who has obvious potential. But I believe Arsenal are wasting their time on the young prodigy.

Arsenal's first choice keeper, Manuel Almunia, has no intentions of leaving Arsenal. Almunia, who has performed solidly this season for the Gunners, is a much better keeper than the 22-year-old Hart. If Hart was to go to Arsenal, I find it hard to see how the former Shrewsbury Town keeper would dislodge Almunia from the No. 1 keeper status.

However, deputy keeper Lukas Fabianski, whose efforts against Chelsea were horrid whilst his recent efforts against Liverpool were superb, does look most likely to lose out to Hart if the Englishman was to join the youthful Arsenal squad. But the Polishman Fabianski, who also has potential and age on his side, is a more than decent shot-stopper.

Then there is Vito Mannone, the 21-year-old Italian keeper who is yet to star for Arsenal at first grade level. Mannone is the current third choice keeper who is virtually unknown throughout the footballing world. If Hart was to sign for Arsenal, Mannone would almost certainly be loaned or sold.

There is also the cost for Hart. Arsenal are rumoured to be prepared to offer five million for Hart, but Manchester City is unlikely to accept that amount and may even ask Arsenal to double it.

There is no point in Arsenal wasting that kind of money due to the fact Arsenal already have capable goalkeepers. Arsenal are better off using the money to buy a midfielder or center half.