Arsene Wenger has lost his patience with the 22 year old, and dropped him on the bench for the important Bayern Munich tie. His compatriot Lukasz Fabianski is his short term replacement, but Wenger might be on the search for a new number one.
Polish international Wojciech Szczesny made a flying start to his Arsenal career, Arsenal had been long looking for a world class goalkeeper and in Szczesny, Wenger found someone who definitely had it all in him.
He put up some impressive performances for the Gunners and despite his age was able to defy all competition, Arsenal fans finally saw the back of Manuel Almunia with Vito Manonne and Lukasz Fabianski restored to the bench for longer periods. However since then Szczesny’s performances have been on a decline and his overconfident cocky behaviour is a worry for his manager, as well as his teammates.
He has put some below par performances, especially the one against Blackburn, which resulted in Arsenal being knocked out of the tournament. According to the Sportsmail, Wenger has been massively disappointed with Szczesny and mentioned that to him when informing him of his decision to drop him against Bayern.
Wenger will perhaps not be looking to sell the Polish international, who does seems to have quality in abundance. But at 22 Szczesny lacks experience and Wenger might thus be on the look for an experienced number one who can provide stiff competition to Szczesny and perhaps also mentor him.
Here are five top class goalkeepers Wenger can sign in the summer transfer window:
Victor Valdes
The Spanish international has refused to sign a new contract with Barcelona and has declared his intentions to leave the Catalan club at the end of this season. Valdes would be a terrific buy for the Gunners, he has been the first choice goalkeeper of one of the best clubs in the world for over a decade now.
At 31 Valdes will provide Arsenal quality at the back and can also be a mentor to the struggling Wojciech Szczesny, Valdez will also introduce a winning mentality to the London side having won a lot of accolades with Barcelona.
The Spanish number two will surely be the first choice goalkeeper at Arsenal and should be ahead of Arsenal’s current first choice, which may not settle well with Szczesny. Nevertheless at just 8.5 million pounds, Victor Valdes will be some coup for Arsenal.
Pepe Reina
The Spanish stopper has been linked to Arsenal in the past and was reportedly unhappy when he was denied an opportunity to speak to the Gunners back in 2010. Arsene Wenger might reignite interest in the Spanish, who would not be costly however his form has been indifferent of late. Reina is popularly known for his high profile comical errors, which have cost Liverpool points many a times.
Despite this Reina continues to be linked to Arsenal and if a decent offer is put on the table Brendan Rodgers might be tempted to offload him.
Asmir Begovic
The Bosnian international is a wanted man, after some fine performances between the posts for Stoke this season. He has caught the attention of some of the biggest teams in England including Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea. Chelsea were in a pole position to sign him in the winter transfer window, but failed to capture their man.
Arsenal should make efforts to sign the 25 year old who is currently at the prime of his career. Begovic has been without a doubt better than Szczesny this season and should displace him if Arsenal are to sign the Bosnian. One area in which Begovic has a definite advantage over the Arsenal goalie is his passing and his goal kicks. However if the Polish international responds positively it can spur him to work harder and improve his own performances.
Kenneth Vermeer
The Dutch international has been a top performer for league leaders Ajax. The 27 year old has made 34 starts for his team this season and has been a key figure in them conceding only 25 goals in the league.
He made his international debut against Germany in November and was reportedly scouted by the Arsenal scouting team. Vermeer managed a clean sheet in that match and the Arsenal scouts gave a go ahead signal to Wenger to sign the Dutch international. Arsenal did not make a move for the shot stopper who is valued at 5 million pounds, but might make an approach this summer.
Samir Handanovic
The Slovenian currently plays his trade at Italian side Inter Milan, and is regarded as one of the most underrated goalkeepers in Europe. Even though Inter Milan is currently undergoing a disappointing campaign, the Slovenian has been quite decent.
The Slovenian has experience in abundance with 61 international appearances and over 200 starts in the Italian league. Arsene Wenger has been interested in him in the past and if he manages to sign the 28 year old, he will add quality as well as experience to his side.
With Lukasz Fabianski unlikely to renew his contract which is due to expire this season, and third choice Vito Manonne looking for a move away from Arsenal, Wenger is likely to dip in the transfer market for a keeper. For Arsenal it is very important to have two top goalkeepers at hand if they are to compete at all fronts. It is believed that Szczesny’s performances have massively suffered because there is no top class keeper at the club who can deputise for him.
Szczesny however should be unfazed if a new keeper is to arrive at Arsenal, his best years are still ahead of him and for his age he is definitely a top keeper. Wenger has in the past reiterated his trust in his young goalkeeper and selling him is definitely not an option. It is important for him to be focused and work even harder than before for his place. If he succeeds in doing so, he can easily become one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
