Is Cardiff City’s David Marshall really worth £15m…?
Read more Arsenal gossip.
According to reports in today’s Telegraph, Arsenal have earmarked a potential move for a relegated goalkeeper to replace the outgoing Lukasz Fabianski, and come in and challenge Wojciech Szczesny for the no.1 jersey.
The Gunners have registered an interest in David Marshall, but Cardiff have slapped a large £15m price-tag on his head – which they reckon they’ll be able to receive because the stopper signed a long-term contract extension in February.
The 29-year-old keeper was by far and away Cardiff’s best player last term, and although he conceded 74 goals and finished bottom of the table, he was very rarely to blame – and Cardiff would have been relegated far sooner if he hadn’t played so well between the sticks.
Arsenal’s current backup keeper Fabianski has decided not to renew his contract at the Emirates, and will be leaving this summer on a free transfer as a result.
Due to the Pole leaving, Arsene Wenger will need to replace him, although £15m for a reserve keeper seems like a serious waste of money – especially with the French manager so fond of Szczesny as his first choice.
Tottenham are also interested in Marshall, and Arsenal might turn to Reading’s rangy keeper Alex McCarthy if they can’t negotiate the price down with Cardiff for their no.1.
Marshall prides himself on being an excellent shot stopper. He aggressively organises his defence, and isn’t afraid to come out of his goal and claim deliveries into the box.
Marshall’s made 174 appearances for the Welsh side since joining the club five years ago, and he’s also won 11 caps for Scotland as well.
Although he would be aware he’d be arriving at Arsenal as a second choice, it seems unlikely that Marshall would be able to turn down a move to a Champions League side, which would likely come with a higher wage, and the chance to test himself against the very best around.
COMMENTS