Arsenal Transfer Prospects: Six Keepers Wenger Can Target from the World Cup

As the 2010 FIFA World Cup came to a close with a thrilling finale, the attention is now turned to the summer transfer window and the build-up to the commencement of the European domestic seasons.

Another exciting campaign is set for 2010/2011—especially in the Premier League, with the once dominant, untouchable "Big Four" set to extend into a "Top Eight" with Tottenham, Manchester City, Aston Villa, and Everton all expected to be inducted with Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool.

This ensures that the race for the all important top four spots will once again become agonisingly close. All eight are furiously searching for quality talent to bolster their roster in order to boast a stronger challenge.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is expected to have a boom season. The Gunners have not secured silverware in five seasons now and many fans hope that 2010/2011 will see their drought come to a much-needed end.

Wenger attended the whole of the South African World Cup in hopes of finding quality reinforcements. The Frenchman has vowed to implement changes into his youthful squad in hopes to break the trophy hoodoo. 

Wenger has been heavily criticised for his lack of quality in the keeping department. Keepers Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski have been rather lacklustre over recent years and many believe that the failure to have a decent presence in between the sticks is the main reason Arsenal are struggling to win silverware.

However, many keepers performed impressively for their respective nation and you would expect the Frenchman to have noted their performances. Here are six keepers the Professor could target.

1. Maarten Stekelenburg-Netherlands  

A strong reason for the Netherlands impressive run to the finals was due to their reliable keeper Maarten Stekelenburg. The 27-year-old was a reassuring force in the Holland net providing a number of doughty performances. 

Currently with Ajax in the Dutch league, Stekelenburg would be a credible replacement as the new Arsenal No. 1. The Ajax shot stopper boasts quick reflexes as well as impressive decision-making and most of all, safe hands.

2. Mark Schwarzer-Australia

Already heavily linked with a move to the Emirates, Schwarzer's World Cup efforts with the Socceroos would of done no harm to Wenger's thoughts. In what was a disappointing campaign for the Aussies, the Fulham keeper performed well, making a number of freakish saves against the likes of Ghana and Serbia.

At 37, the Australian is the ideal short term replacement whilst promising youngsters Wojciech Szczesny and Vito Mannone continue to further their development. The former Middlesbrough man has been close to incredible for his club Fulham in recent year and a move to North London is much deserved.

3. Vincent Enyeama-Nigeria

Despite Nigeria having a horror World Cup which resulted in their President announcing they were banned from competing in onternational football competitions for a further two years, Vincent Enyeama remains a valid member and solid contributor. 

Considered one of the best keepers in Africa, the Hapoel Tel Aviv FC keeper showed glimpses of goalkeeping prowess for the Super Eagles. Granted, they would've done a whole lot worse if not for Enyeama.

The 27-year-old has been a consistent performer at both domestic and national level and the Nigerians looks a credible option for the next Arsenal No. 1. Unlikely to cost a bundle, there is no reason why Vincent Enyeama couldn't provide the goalkeeping answers for the Gunners.

4. Fernando Muslera-Urugauy

The Sky Blues were arguably the surprise packages of the World Cup finishing fourth and reaching the semifinals. Fernando Muslera was a vital presence in goal, boasting a stand out tournament. The Lazio keeper saved two penalties in the quarterfinal against Ghana which enabled his country to advance to the semis.

The 24-year-old is a fast, strong keeper with reliable hands and a good leap. Set for a big career, Wenger should move fast to ensure Muslera is on the Arsenal roster.

5. Manuel Neuer-Germany

Germany enjoyed a solid campaign, finishing a tidy third. Although many expected the former host to break into the final, it was nonetheless a good tournament. First choice keeper Manuel Neuer proved outstanding with a number of assuring efforts.

The Shalke 04 gloveman boasts a commanding presence in between the sticks and also has reliable, safe hands along with decisive movement. Neuer has been linked to the Gunners in the past, but with Wenger in desperate need of a fresh goalkeeper the 24-year-old fits the bill nicely.

6. Mark Paston-New Zealand

New Zealand were expected to be the laughingstock of the Cup, but gladly baked some humble pie which we all ate with awe. In a group that contained 2006 world champions Italy, as well as Paraguay and Slovakia, the All-Whites were expected to go through the tournament with barely a whimper—many bet the Kiwis would fail to get a point or goal.

But alas, New Zealand left the tournament with three draws and two goals—the only squad to go unbeaten throughout the tournament. Arguably their most admirable performance was their 1-1 draw with former champions Italy.

Thanks to keeper Mark Paston, who saved basically everything that the fierce Italian attack through at him, the All-Whites were able to install respect into their small nation by doing what their cousins Australia couldn't and not lose to Italy.

Paston was close to superb during New Zealand's campaign. The little-known keeper may seem like a ridiculous option at 33 years old, but with Manuel Almunia set to depart to Atletico Madrid, the Wellington Phoenix shot stopper would be the ideal second choice keeper.

Signing Paston would ensure deputy Lukasz Fabianski could enjoy a much-needed loan spell whilst Arsenal sign Paston for virtually nothing, thus ensuring they can continue their search for a new No. 1.  

There are many keepers out abroad that Wenger would be undoubtedly eyeing, but these men were crucial in their respective nationals campaigns and there is no reason why Wenger couldn't target these six.