Arsenal Transfer Prospects: Should Arsene Wenger Be Chasing Hugo Lloris?

Arsenal officially began their Pre-season campaign with an impressive, entertaining 4-0 drubbing of Barnet. The annual encounter boasted some easy on the eye goals, quick play and all round, expected rustiness.

Manager Arsene Wenger opted to use three of his keepers during the game. The Frenchman has been highly criticized for the lack of quality in the keeping department at the Emirates and fans are desperate to see a fresh face in the keeping ranks.

Usual deputy Lukasz Fabianski played the first half before being replaced by youngster Vito Mannone who lasted 22 minutes before being replaced by promising Polish shot stopper Wojciech Szczensy, who saw out the game.

Previous first choice Manuel Almunia was absent, which furthers the case that he is set for an exit out of North London and back to Spain with Atletico Madrid being the favourites.

The Spaniard has had a torrid time in recent years whilst at the Gunners. Since being elevated to first-choice keeper in 2008 after the departure of Jens Lehman, the 33-year-old has made a host of errors on a consistent basis.

Although Almunia has shown glimpses of courageous performances, he simply isn't good enough to be Arsenal's dominant keeper. Albeit the former Celtico Vigo shot blocker is a top-notch deputy keeper.

Wenger has vowed to implement changes into his youthful squad in hopes of breaking a five-year trophy drought. A number of keepers have been linked with the club, with Mark Schwarzer looking the most likeliest.

The 37-year-old is an ideal buy for Wenger as it will provide a quality, short-term replacement that enables boom youngsters Vito Mannone and Wojciech Szczensy to develop and experience more much needed loan spells.

But should Wenger be looking for a younger, stronger keeper?

During the down stages of Arsenal's 2009/2010, many quality keepers were put forward as possible replacements as the new Arsenal No. 1.

One keeper who everyone in the Arsenal community, including Wenger himself, would like to see arrive at the Emirates is French and Lyon keeper Hugo Lloris.

Lloris is a brilliant, reliable shot stopper who has performed spectacularly well for both France and Lyon. Many believe Lloris's efforts saved former French manager Raymond Domenech's job, allowing him to go to the World Cup.

At 23 and already hugely experienced, Lloris would thrive in the Premier League. The former Nice goalkeeper would be a perfect addition to the Arsenal squad.

Blessed with great reflexes and safe hands furthered by good height, Lloris's signature would surely see the end to Arsenal goalkeeping woes.

It's unlikely Lyon will be able to maintain their "Mr. Reliable" for much longer with European giants set to sink their teeth in and pursue the French dynamo. Thus, Wenger should act fast and attempt to sign Lloris.

Money is no issue for the Arsenal boss and it is unlikely that Lyon will demand a devastating amount.

Keeping in mind the likes of Mannone and Szczensy are destined for big things, they are both awaiting Premiership or La Liga/Serie A loan spells over the next couple of years.

It is hard to imagine a place of Lukasz Fabianski if Lloris was to arrive but he too does require a similar loan spell.

Lloris is a quality keeper who could potentially end up as one of the best in the world. Wenger has money and requires a new shot stopper.

Wenger needs to snap up Hugo Lloris as soon as possible.