Arsenal Transfer Prospect: Should Wenger Sign New Zealand's Mark Paston?

The 2010 FIFA World Cup has been a truly intriguing event. Almost half way through and already the footballing world has witnessed some terrific matches, freak upsets, sensational goals, awful refereeing and a few goalkeeping howlers.

The 2010 World Cup has also seen the new Jabulani ball. A lighter, more agile ball, that glides and weaves through the air with ease. The Jabulani has ensured great entertainment for fans due to it being a constant havoc for keepers. However, the keepers have performed impressively up against the new arrival.

Many keepers have stood out with superb performances that have enable their countries to reap the dominance in their group. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has witnessed most of the interesting moments South Africa 2010 has given the world. The Frenchman is also on the look out for some quality players to add to his talented Arsenal side.

Wenger is in desperate need of a keeper and with so many keepers performing, he may be in luck.

Mark Paston-New Zealand     

The Kiwis have been somewhat of a surprise team at South Africa. Many saw New Zealand as a team their purely to make up the numbers. But the little Oceania based country have performed well above expectation. 

Expected to not even find the back of the net up against the likes of Italy, Slovakia and Paraguay, New Zealand have managed to one all draws against Slovakia and World Champions Italy.

The Italy result was what shocked the footballing World. What was meant to be a white washing turned into one of the upsets in sport. One glaring reasons the Kiwis were able to hold off the raging Italians was due to an outstanding display from keeper Mark Paston.

Paston was the hero during the qualifying stages, saving a penalty against Bahrain to ensure "the All Whites" progressed through to South Africa. Now the 33 year old has become a hero after a heroic effort, in which he made a number of vital and impressive saves.

Although Paston could not be considered as a first choice keeper for Arsenal, he fits all the traits perfectly for a second choice keeper. At 33 and playing in the A-League for Wellington Phoenix, Paston would be an excellent back up keeper. Furthermore in the prime of his career, or so it seems, Paston would surely be no worse than the likes of Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski.

Signing Paston would ensure Lukasz Fabianski could take a much needed loan spell and Almunia could be offloaded to somewhere in Europe. To heighten his appeal Paston would be a cheap easy deal.

It seems unlikely but this is football and as we have seen recently, anything can happen.