Arsenal Transfer Prospects: Eight New Keepers Wenger Can Target In January

When Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger vowed to implement serious changes into his squad after the termination of the 2009/20010, Premier League campaign signified the North London giant’s fifth successive season without silverware. Many expected the summer transfer window to bring a new, quality keeping presence to the Emirates.

Wenger’s keepers Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski had endured a horror few seasons that consisted of inconsistency, constant errors and poor handling. The pair had both experienced time as the dominant keeper, but neither could provide an assuring presence, and critics and fans alike felt the lack of quality in the keeping role was the main culprit for the recent trophy drought.

Wenger worked vigorously during the summer, attracting a host of rumours but unfortunately none failed to materialize.

Come the commencement of the 2010/2011 European season, the Gunners still boasted their shaky duo and with the Frenchman refusing to blood his boom youngsters Vito Mannone and Wojciech Szczensy. Manuel Almunia and Lukazs Fabianski were once again given the dominant keeping roles.

It has not been an impressive start to the campaign for Arsenal, boasting two consecutive losses alongside two draws and three wins. Furthermore, as expected, Fabianski and Almunia have already made vital errors as well as appearing unconvincing and unorganised.

It is hard to picture either shot stopper returning to form is set to spark heavy criticism from fans and critics and push Wenger to secure a quality keeper signing come January. Luckily for the French tactician, he has sufficient funds at his disposal and can afford to spend a somewhat heavy amount.

However the Frenchman must be weary of finding an ideal, short term replacement that can provide a quality presence in between the posts as well as mentoring young guns Mannone and Szczensy, before stepping down to allow the promising duo to compete for the number one role.

By signing a keeper in January, Wenger is able to send both his promising keepers out on loan whilst Manuel Almunia drops to the deputy role before being sold come the Summer of 2011. Polish keeper Fabianski can then experience a full season loan spell come 2011/2012.

However, Wenger may opt to go all out for pure talent and force Mannone and Szczensy to compete immensely for their starting berth.

So here are eight keeping options Wenger can target come January.

1.Artur Boruc-Fiorienta

The 30-year-old was a consistent, impressive performer for Scottish giants Celtic for a number of seasons, but the Polish keeper made the mistake of transferring to Italian side Fiorienta who boast a strong keeping in Sebastien Frey. 

Boruc has found himself warming the bench on a regular basis prompting the former Legia Warsaw man to state his longing for a departure in January. Boruc is a tremendously experienced and reliable keeper with one of the safest, cleanest hands in Europe. 

Furthermore, the Polish international is unlikely to attract a huge fee with the highest amount unlikely to be more than £8 million. Boruc would also provide Mannone and Szczensy with a terrific mentor alongside the fact he can depart when Wenger sees the duo ready for their opportunities. 

2.Gorka Iraizoz-Athletic Bilbao

The Spanish keeper has been an impressive performer for a decade now, with a number of teams throughout Spain. Blessed with great reflexes, safe hands and good organisational skills, the 29-year-old would be an ideal short term replacement for the Gunners, installing a safe presence in the goal before being able to step down and provide a sufficient back up keeper. 

Similarly to the latter, Iraizoz would be cheap and effective, unlikely to attract an off putting fee for Wenger.

3.       Emiliano Viviano-Bologna

The 25-year-old has a number of big name clubs, including Arsenal, vying for his prized signature, and rightly so. The 25-year-old has been a quality keeper in the Serie A for half a decade now.

The Italian played over 150 games for Brescia before Bologna in 2009 where the Italian international has continued his form. Viviano is likely to attract a bigger fee than the two latter, but it is unlikely to be higher than £12 million. 

4.      David James-Bristol City

It may seem like as a ridiculous option, but the veteran Englishman would be an ideal, effective and cheap signing. The 40-year-old may be bordering on grey hairs, but the former Portsmouth man is still in good touch and would provide a reliable presence in the goal square alongside his immense experience of over 770 games would be a great mentor to the younger players.

James has stated his desire to return to the international scene with England, and that priority could be achieved with a stint at the Gunners. Furthermore, the former West Ham keeper would be the cheapest option. 

5.       Jerzey Dudek-Real Madrid

The Polish keeper has being playing second fiddle to arguably the world’s best keeper in Iker Casillas, and a move to England could potential be a realistic move. The 37-year-old is an experienced, quality keeper with terrific hands and particularly dominant when defending set pieces.

What is also an appealing factor, along with the fact Dudek is a cheap option, is that the former Feyonoord shot blocker has superb experience in the Premier League and Champions League having played seven seasons with Liverpool where he won the Champions League in 2005. Furthermore the Polish international boast the similar mentor traits along with age as Boruc, and James.

6.       Helton Arruda-FC Porto

The Brazilian has been a strong performer for Portuguese giants FC Porto and has developed strong experience and has helped Porto to a number of trophies. The 32-year-old is a natural leader and can provide Arsenal with a reliable presence in the goal.

The Brazilian international has been voted Portuguese goalkeeper of the year in 2007 and is blessed with a terrific leap and tremendous reflexes. 

Helton is also unlikely to attract a big price with the likeliest asking price around £8 million.

7.       Bogdan Lobot-AS Roma

The Romanian international has been a gallant and credible performer with a host of clubs for a number of years and continues to be a solid performer. Nicknamed the “the Cat” due to his immensely quick reflexes, the 32-year-old would be a cheap and effective option who could just be a perfect signing.

8.       Victor-Gremeio

The Brazilian has been an outstanding performer in the Brazilian league, and many feel the 27-year-old is ready for a move to a bigger, stronger league. Boasting great movement and leadership, Victor would be strong option whose fee would also remain low.

 All eight are convincing options but only time will tell if Wenger opts to target one.