It's Clear Arsenal Need a New Keeper: Who Should Wenger Try To Lure?

Two soft goals, two poor choices from a keeper. Arsenal were left stunned as they managed to lose 2-1 against Portuguese side FC Porto. It wasn't that Arsenal were outplayed or that they defended horribly. It all came down to poor goalkeeping.

Second string keeper Lukasz Fabianski was given a rare start due to a finger injury sustained by first choice Manuel Almunia. But despite the recent praise from manager Arsene Wenger, Fabianski failed to perform.

With the game barely 15 minutes in Porto's midfielder Varelo easily glided past Gael Clichy and swung in a low cross that was never going in. The ball looked to have found its way into the Fabianski's gloves but the Polish shot stopper managed to punch it into his own net.

Then early after the break a Porto long ball was heading straight for Fabianski with Sol Campbell shielding the Porto attack. However lack of communication ensured Campbell passed the ball back to Fabianski at the last minute forcing the 24-year-old to pick up the ball. 

A free kick was immediately given and the quick thinking Micael guided the ball to Falcao to shot home an easy goal.

Fabianski's performance may have been awful but first choice Manuel Almunia is not much better. The Spaniard has struggled this season making a number of mistakes and failing to perform strongly against dominant opposition.

Almunia may have to be sold during the Summer and Fabianski needs a loan move to a struggling Premier League club to ensure he receives week in week out game time.

It is clear Arsene Wenger needs to buy a new keeper in the summer. But who would be a good option?

1. Manuel Neuer 

The Shalke 04 keeper is consider one of the most talented shot stoppers in Europe and at 23 still has a big future ahead of him. Nueuer would be a superb option for Wenger but it would come at a big cost.

2. Guillermo Ochoa

The 24-year-old keeper has been a constant figure for Club America. Ochoa is a natural leader with a ton of experience.  The Mexican is quick and agile and would fit in nicely to the Gunners squad.

3. Igor Akinfeev

Another young talent who has been a consistent presence in CSKA Moscow's goal since 2003. The Russian 23-year-old has experience, leadership, relative height and safe hands. An expensive option but one that would be a smart one for Arsenal.

4. Sergio Romero 

The 22-year-old has been superb for Dutch side AZ Alkmaar and is fast becoming a main European name. The tall Argentinian has the potential to become a hugely talented keeper.

5. Hugo Lloris 

The Ligue 1 goalkeeper of the year last season has been a great keeper for his former club Nice, current club Lyon and especially the French national side. Lloris is currently one of the best goalkeepers in Europe so it would take a huge effort for the Gunners to sign the 23-year-old.

6. Jose Manuel Pinto

The FC Barcelona reserve keeper may be 34 but if Manuel Almunia is sold in the summer and Fabianski is sent on loan then a short term deal with the Spaniard could be terrific. Pinto is reliable and strong in the air plus a born leader. Pinto would also cost a suitable amount.

7. Steve Mandanda 

The Marseille keeper is a consistent and safe performer who has performed well for the French giants. The French international has been linked with many big name clubs such as Milan and Manchester City so Arsene Wenger would need to move fast

8. David James

He may be 39 but David James is still a world class goalkeeper and if Portsmouth horror show continues and Pompey are knocked down then Arsenal should take the opportunity to get James as a short term option. 

More are out there it is up to Wenger to bring them in.

However, Arsenal do have youngsters Vito Mannone and Wojciech Szczesny waiting in the ranks. Both have the potential to be the next great keepers but both are lacking proper experience. So for now Arsenal need to do something about their keeping woes.