Manuel Almunia possibly a part of the deal to land West Brom’s Borja Valero
Arsenal has had persistent goal keeping woes since the advent of Jens Lehman. Since then, the former German international’s replacements have been subjected to constant criticism on the basis that they’ve done more harm than good in Arsenal’s prospects for
the season. However, even in the eyes of the most skeptical goal keeping critics, the name ‘Manuel Almunia’ might finally be considered as a genuine positive!
The Gunners are reported to be on the lookout for a possible Fabregas replacement owing to the fact that the Spaniard chooses to realize his ‘dream move’ to Barcelona; the club that he started his footballing career. Here is where West Brom enters the picture.
The Baggies’ 25 year old playmaker, Borja Valero, has been exceptional in his loan spell to Villareal. The youngster was subjected to be a quick fix for the position left by Robert Pires. The ‘Yellow Submarines’ find themselves sitting pretty in 3rd
position and on course for an automatic qualification for European football next season.
However, owing to the fact how well the West Brom starlet has settled into life at Spain, his loan deal involves a possible permanent deal – Arsene Wenger and company, on the other hand, plan to hijack the playmaker with a 7 million pounds bid. Keeping Villareal
at bay won’t be easy – In comes Almunia to the picture – The 33 year old shot stopper might be used as a lubricant in return for a smooth deal. There could be a number of factors that might make it a mutually beneficial deal for both clubs and the keeper.
Almunia, at his age, requires regular football. He is of Spanish origin which drives settling into life in La Liga a petty debate. Villareal need an experienced goal keeper if they wish to realistically pursue their European dream for the next season. Arsenal,
obviously, need to offload their number 1, therefore, the potential deal has all the ingredients of a sensible business transaction.
Arsene Wenger also maintains that Almunia is no longer in his long term plans as Arsenal’s first choice goal keeper. The Spaniard, valued at 1.5 million pounds would be better invested than stored as mere inventory.
Owing to Arsenal’s goal keeping situation however, the Gunners are reported to be interested in swapping for Blackpool’s Matt Gilks – How is that a plausible deal, you ask? Simple, he’s a free agent! – It’s hard to see Wenger relying on his economic degree
to be able to figure that out!
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