Nervous Almunia worries Wenger

Nervous Almunia worries Wenger

Published Jul. 8, 2010 8:41 a.m. ET

Arsene Wenger will make an announcement on the Arsenal goalkeeping situation after the World Cup after expressing concerns over Manuel Almunia.

The Gunners' vulnerability between the sticks came under the spotlight last season with both Spaniard Almunia and his deputy Lukasz Fabianski prone to the odd high-profile error.

With only youngsters Vito Mannone, 22, and Wojciech Szczesny, the 20-year-old Pole who impressed while on loan at Brentford, as back-up, it has been suggested Wenger could move for an experienced stopper this summer.

Both Fulham's Mark Schwarzer and Portugal international Eduardo have emerged as potential targets.

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Wenger revealed a decision on who was to be his number one next season would be made shortly.

Speaking to Kenya newspaper The Standard, the Arsenal manager said: "Manuel Almunia is a talented goalkeeper. In training, he is superb, the only problem is that he gets nervous on big matches, thereby making silly mistakes.

"After the World Cup, we will be making an announcement on goalkeeping."

Wenger has already strengthened his squad this summer with the arrivals of Marouane Chamakh, the Morocco striker, and promising French centre-back Laurent Koscielny.

Speculation continues as to whether captain Cesc Fabregas, part of the Spain squad which has reached Sunday's World Cup final, will be at Emirates Stadium next season, as Barcelona continue to chase their former trainee.

Arsenal have already rejected one £30million bid.

Despite the midfielder having told Wenger he wants to go back to the Nou Camp, the Gunners boss insisted: "I do not see him leaving soon."

Wenger, meanwhile, stressed the signing of Koscielny was not the end of his moves in the market for a defender.

With veterans William Gallas and Mikael Silvestre set to leave after the end of their contracts, and Sol Campbell considering his options, Arsenal are in need of at least one more body at the back.

The Gunners have been linked with Bolton's Gary Cahill as well as Germany international Serdar Tasci.

"Koscielny can be an outstanding addition to our team, but it is not over, we are still open to buy," Wenger told arsenal.com.

"We are still in the market for another defensive player because we have the need for one more."

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