Wenger Loses Patience with Almunia

Arsene Wenger has voiced his doubts over the Gunners' goalkeeping situation after admitting Manuel Almunia is prone to making mistakes.

Wenger has said he will make an announcement on the problem area after the World Cup, but it finally looks as though he will bring in a new number one.

Both Almunia and his deputy Lukasz Fabianski came under fire last season after making several high-profile errors, but Wenger has always publicly backed the pair. However, now it appears the French coach is planning to overhaul the goalkeeping position. It certainly seems odd that such a big club doesn't have a stopper who played in the Football World Cup 2010.

In quotes attributed to Wenger in Kenyan newspaper The Standard, which Arsenal have since denied are true, he said: "Manuel Almunia is a talented goalkeeper. In training, he is superb, the only problem is that he gets nervous on big matches, thereby making silly mistakes.

"After the World Cup, we will be making an announcement on goalkeeping.''
If the comments are true, and it could well be the Gunners boss was speaking 'off the record', it's hardly a glowing reference for Almunia and Wenger is now certain to move Almunia on.

With only youngsters Vito Mannone, 22, and 20-year-old Wojciech Szczesny as back-up, Wenger is expected to go for experience ahead of the new season.

Fulham's Australian international Mark Schwarzer has emerged as Wenger's top target and reports suggest the Gunners have lodged a £3.5million bid for the former Bradford stopper. Arsenal's Premier League betting suggests they need an experienced stopper if they are to do well this season.

The 37-year-old could also be offered a part-time coaching role at The Emirates as Wenger attempts to develop his young goalkeepers.

Portugal international keeper Eduardo has also been linked with a move to Arsenal but he has moved to Genoa so Schwarzer looks to be in pole position to take the Gunners' gloves next season.