Arsene Wenger is widely tipped to bring another goalkeeper to the Emirates Stadium this summer, and has allegedly stepped up his interest in Sporting Lisbon and Portugal stopper Rui Patricio, reports in the Express allege.
The Gunners are thought to have drawn up a list of goalkeeping targets; one widely rumoured to include Liverpool’s Pepe Reina and Victor Valdes of Barcelona. Such a list was created as Wenger is reported to desire a new man between the sticks in light of questions over the capability of current number one Wojciech Szczesny.
If you was to bet on march madness you would fancy a flutter on Wenger parting with £12million on a goalkeeper!
The Polish international found himself rested for the Champions League reverse against Bayern Munich, following concerns within the club over his ‘state of mind’.
In the aftermath of this Patricio, the first choice of Portugal’s national side, has apparently emerged as the North London club’s top target. Reports from several sources across Europe have suggested that Arsenal are ready to offer £8.4 million for the player. However, Sporting Lisbon are thought to feel this offer derisory, as they reportedly see the player being worth in excess of £12 million.
The deal could be subsidised however should Arsenal use one of the raft of average players accrued in recent years as a makeweight. I doubt that many Gunners fans would be too disappointed to see the back of the likes of Andre Santos and Marouane Chamakh in exchange for some genuine class.
Jacob Cotterill
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