Wenger will pick one of these three stoppers to solve his goalkeeping problems…
Arsene Wenger has lined up three goalkeepers to replace Polish stopper Wojciech Szczęsny, reports the Daily Mirror.
Stoke City’s Asmir Begovic has emerged as the primary target, while Valencia’s Vicente Guaita and Espanyol’s Kiko Casilla will be targeted if a move for the giant Bosnian collapses.
Begovic is French boss Wenger’s first-choice, although the Potters will no doubt be desperate to keep hold of their no.1. Despite losing their opening Premier League match to Liverpool at the weekend, Begovic pulled off a series of saves to keep the game at only 1-0. Last season, the 26-year-old established himself as one of the best in the country, and Begovic would be a genuine coup for the misfiring London club.
Despite showing glimpses, and even some patches of strong form, Polish keeper Szczęsny has never been truly reliable in between the posts at the Emirates. Most fans agree that a replacement is a must.
Guita is a 26-year-old Spaniard, who is uncapped due to the prowess of Iker Casillas, Victor Valdes and Pepe Reina in front of him at international level. When he’s not been injured though, Guita has been one of the best stoppers in La Liga for the past two seasons, and Wenger might be prepared to give him a chance in the Premier League. Valencia could demand £15m though, which seems steep – especially considering the Gunners wouldn’t even pay that amount for Brazilian midfielder Luiz Gustavo.
Similarly, Casilla, (not to be confused with the Real Madrid legend) is a 26-year-old Spaniard, and has enjoyed a first-team spot at Espanyol since 2011 after returning from various loan spells. He would be the cheapest of the three, but would also get fans the least excited.
Speaking ahead of his side’s crucial Champions League qualifying tie against Turkish side Fenerbahce, Wenger was typically coy when questioned over the club’s ambiguous transfer policy.
“If we do a transfer we will announce it. We always inform you. As for the rest, you have to leave us to do our own things,” he said, on the back of the barracking Arsenal fans gave him during the weekend defeat to Aston Villa.
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