Two of the biggest clubs in English football will share the same dilemma come the end of the current Premier league season. Arsenal and Manchester United are both in need of a dependable goalkeeper to consolidate the nucleus of their defensive set up. So the question I am posing is should the two clubs be looking to flex their muscles in the summer to acquire a stopper?
Since the league began back in 1992 Manchester United have spent the majority of those years with a world class goalkeeper between the sticks. I am of course referring to Peter Schmeichel and the soon to be retired Edwin van der Sar. Without these two men the Premier League honours list may not include United’s name a staggering eleven times. Until 2003 when David Seaman’s playing career with the Gunners ended, Arsenal were blessed with their own excellent shot stopper. Seaman like Schmeichel and van der Sar can be considered in the category for the greatest goalkeeper to grace the Premiership.
Before van der Sar’s arrival in Manchester Sir Alex Ferguson initially faltered in his quest to find a successor for the Great Dane. Fergie’s search for a new goalkeeper was laden with mediocrity. The likes of Mark Bosnich, Massimo Taibi, Fabian Barthez, Roy Carroll and Tim Howard all failed to fill the gaping hole left by Schmeichel. This enhances the opinion that spending big on a top ‘keeper is the answer for United. Obviously there are no guarantees in football, so buying a big name ‘keeper could just as easily backfire!
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Arsenal replaced David Seaman with German International Jens Lehmann back in 2003. Lehmann’s stint with the Gunners was a successful one as he picked up a number of trophies and was a member of the iconic Invincibles squad. More recently Manuel Almunia, Lukasz Fabianski and Wojciech Szczesny have all been suspect in the sticks for the side from North London, which supports the notion that they do need to invest in a recognised top quality ‘keeper, especially with their rivals boasting fine goalkeepers. I would suggest that Manchester United in particular focus their attention on ensuring they don’t make the same mistakes of the past.
United have been heavily linked with an 18 million pound bid for Atletico Madrid youngster David De Gea, but is his lack of experience too much of a risk to take? One goalkeeper who is proven on the world stage is Gianluigi Buffon, and the most expensive goalkeeper in world football is rumoured be up for grabs in the summer. I think capturing a player of this magnitude would go a long way towards pleasing the fans at either club. It would also dispel any fears about the goalkeeping dilemma among the supporters. To prize Buffon away from Turin would take a hefty sum of money, and with Arsene Wenger’s philosophy of living within his means, it may not be an option for him. I believe Wenger made the mistake of not signing Shay Given when the Irishman indicated he wanted to leave Newcastle in 2009. Given who is currently back up to Joe Hart at Manchester City would be an ideal signing, although, again it will result in spending big to convince Roberto Mancini to sell him to a rival.
United do currently possess goalkeepers Anders Lindegaard and Tomasz Kuszczak, but whether either is capable of holding down the number one spot at the Theatre of Dreams is debatable. This raises another point – should Ben Foster have been retained by United? Whether or not Arsenal fans believe the three goalkeepers they currently hold within their armoury will suffice for next season is down to the individual. I personally believe all good teams start from the back and Arsenal need a consistent goalkeeper, Shay Given would be my choice with Szczesny as an ample back up. United have to replace van der Sar with a big name and established goalkeeper, Pepe Reina would be ideal, and the Spaniard has refused to clarify his future this season….. A goalkeeper of quality is going to come with a large price tag but in answer to the question in hand I think it’s something that needs to be implemented by both clubs.
Let me know what goalkeepers Fergie and Arsene should be on the lookout for on Twitter
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