The Keeper Situation: Germany says nein to Lehmann?

[kanonier]

An article published by Das Bild today says a poll of all 18 Bundesliga teams revealed that none are interested in signing Lehmann – which makes me ask the question -- bist sie verruckt? (are they crazy?)

Lehmann is a world-class stopper. He was last summer in the world cup – and, well, not much has changed. Some complain that his antics are too much, that he's not worth the cost in yellow cards and penalties that he accrues. I think that's nonsense.

I, for one, will be thrilled if Lehmann is signed to another one-year contract and is our #1 for next year. He's still a world-class keeper, and I'll always remember the "whoops, I dropped the ball again" incident against Wigan.

Clearly though, if Lehmann goes, the keeper situation is quite unsettled – I know this was quite the point of discussion during the Wigan game when Lehmann got his fifth card.

Some complain that we don't have enough depth at keeper, but realistically, it's not that possible to keep that many good keepers on your roster.

Clearly, if Lehmann goes, we'll have to sign a new #1 or #2 to backup Almunia. Here's a few options:

Scott Carson. Boy, good thing he got out of Leeds. Some have suggested Arsenal could pry him away for as little as 6 million, which would be a steal. However, the people that suggest he'd only cost 6 million forget two things: one, he's English and two, he's decent. That means he'll be extremely overpriced, and that's usually not the Wenger way.

Gianluigi Buffon. When's the last time an Italian played for Arsenal? There's nothing like bringing in the reigning World Cup champion keeper. Clearly Buffon is a great option, and chances are he's ready to get out of Serie B. Along with being the world cup champion, Italy is also the reigning soccer violence champion – and that's something great to get away from, too.

Some American. Maybe football hasn't totally caught on in America yet, but the U.S. has perfected the art of goalkeeping. Hahnemann, Friedel, Keller, Howard – there have been plenty of American stoppers that have found success overseas. I'm not saying that he's good enough yet, but Arsenal did recently establish a working relationship with the Colorado Rapids, and Cannon is a pretty decent keeper... that's obviously a longshot.

Someone else. I'm curious what your thoughts are about the good, and obscure keepers that could end up wearing the Red and White next season...

[Smalls123]

Artur Boruc from Celtic said he would leave for a bigger club. I saw him in a match against rangers and he was amazing. The pitch was horribly muddy and he made great save after great save. I definatly wouldn't mind him.

That being said I wouldn't mind giving Almunia a chance. He is playing great in our cup competitions and looks a lot more confident than last year. And it would save us some money.

[Jabinho]

...Arsenal did recently establish a working relationship with the Colorado Rapids, and Cannon is a pretty decent keeper... that's obviously a longshot...
Minor note... Cannon is with the LA Galaxy now..

[flyerhawk]

I wouldn't mind seeing Akinfeev<sp> come to Ashburton Grove.

He looks solid.

[bandwagongooner]

If you're looking for a long term keeper prospect from America, then Chris Seitz should be your guy. I believe the last keeper to accomplish what Seitz did (win the NC as a frosh) was Brad Freidel.

[DaPrince84]

the young russian Afkineev...

[USArsnl]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Craig Gordon yet. With the way things are going on Tynecastle these days, we'll be paid to take him.

[Fab_Fantastic]

Really can't see Buffon joining us - carson might tho...

[ibby]

the young russian Afkineev...

I really hope we sign Afkineev, he is young and if we sign him he will be our number one for atleast 15 years

[Rewinder]

Juve already said they are prepared to sell buffon since their stint in serie B left them short on cash, and they are planning on a shopping spree when they return to serie a next season.

The problem though is that they would only sell him to raise cash, which means 20-25m most likely - too rich for our blood.

If we can pick up akinfeev for about 10m-12m that would be great, and it sorts the keeper issue out for a long time.

[kanonier]

For those of you that don't know much about Igor Akinfeev – like me until about 15 minutes ago – here's some info on Akinfeev I found:

- Akinfeev is only 20 years old, and has been CSKA Moscow's #1 keeper since he was 17.
- He's already won a UEFA Cup with Moscow, and in his last Champion's League had a shutout spell of 362 minutes.
- Some have claimed that though talented, he's "mistake-prone," particularly citing an incident in which he received a red card in a derby against Spartak... you can see it here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtxdFL1xfOg) on youtube, and I don't think he should have even been sent off... there's not many other video highlights of him in action out there. I'm sure if someone had a copy of our CL games against CSKA this year you could find some fine saves.

[Lorax]

Gianluigi Buffon. When's the last time an Italian played for Arsenal? There's nothing like bringing in the reigning World Cup champion keeper. Clearly Buffon is a great option, and chances are he's ready to get out of Serie B. Along with being the world cup champion, Italy is also the reigning soccer violence champion – and that's something great to get away from, too.

Juventus won promotion to Serie A, so if he is ready to move out, he'll be able to stay with his current club.

[GunneRy]

akinfeev looks real good. knowing arsene, though, he'll find someone we've barely heard of and he'll be amazing.

that said- i'd like to see carson here, considering rafa seems intent to use pepe all the time.

[deaner1971]

I think Carson is seen as their longterm plan. That, combined with his nationality, means we'll have to pay more for him that Wenger traditionally finds acceptable. I would guess that this, while tempting is unlikely.

1. Akinfeev seems to have quite a bit of respect but I haven't seen him at all.

2. Gordon seems like a viable choice. Never know how that situation (relationship with team) will look by season's end however.

3. I still like Kameni as an option. He has excellent reactions and at 23, has a long future ahead of him. I think he and Gordon are the two most likely to have both the desire to move and a club willing to sell.

I would still like to see Almunia get another chance. The best way for that to happen is for Jens to stick around for one more year and Almunia to keep playing all cup matches, maybe adding CL to his load. If he shows himself deserving, he gets the starting gig. I just have a suspicion that he is already all but gone.

[mpeabody]

Juventus won promotion to Serie A, so if he is ready to move out, he'll be able to stay with his current club.

Perhaps I misunderstand you, but Juve is still in Serie B tied for the league lead. They will likely win promotion this season, but it will be another before they qualify for the CL at the earliest. Buffon may stay, but I think there's a equally good chance he leaves for AC Milan at the end of the year.

[GriffinGunner]

Akinfeev's a very talented keeper and that he has European experience is a plus. But I view him with an *. IIRC, he's been with CSKA his whole time, and not just with that club but with an established defense and bunkered style of play. Yes, he can and will adapt whenever he moves on but how long will it take. The Eastern bloc leagues are improving but we're discussing a candidate for Arsenal's #1 within 18 months, and all the Premiership and ECL play that entails. So if he's our guy, I say get him now and give him a year under Lehmann's guidance.

As for Buffon, Juve would be stupid to sell him. For all the money they say they need he's one of the best players they've got for restoring the side to the top of Serie A, where they'll be playing next season. Whatever funds they'd make from such a sale might be lost if they fail to qualify for Europe the following season. That plus Buffon's desire to remain in Italy (chicken) and his dedication to Juve tells me they should find a way to keep him. I'd enjoy seeing him in an Arsenal jersey, but not for the price they'd likely ask.

[Lorax]

Perhaps I misunderstand you, but Juve is still in Serie B tied for the league lead. They will likely win promotion this season, but it will be another before they qualify for the CL at the earliest. Buffon may stay, but I think there's a equally good chance he leaves for AC Milan at the end of the year.

My bad, I misread the table...they're only halfway through the season.

I wouldn't be surprised if he swaps sides this summer, but I don't think it will be purely for CL competition.

[antifan]

An article published by Das Bild today says a poll of all 18 Bundesliga teams revealed that none are interested in signing Lehmann – which makes me ask the question -- bist sie verruckt? (are they crazy?)

Lehmann is a world-class stopper. He was last summer in the world cup – and, well, not much has changed. Some complain that his antics are too much, that he's not worth the cost in yellow cards and penalties that he accrues. I think that's nonsense.

I, for one, will be thrilled if Lehmann is signed to another one-year contract and is our #1 for next year. He's still a world-class keeper, and I'll always remember the "whoops, I dropped the ball again" incident against Wigan.

Clearly though, if Lehmann goes, the keeper situation is quite unsettled – I know this was quite the point of discussion during the Wigan game when Lehmann got his fifth card.

Some complain that we don't have enough depth at keeper, but realistically, it's not that possible to keep that many good keepers on your roster.

Clearly, if Lehmann goes, we'll have to sign a new #1 or #2 to backup Almunia. Here's a few options:

Scott Carson. Boy, good thing he got out of Leeds. Some have suggested Arsenal could pry him away for as little as 6 million, which would be a steal. However, the people that suggest he'd only cost 6 million forget two things: one, he's English and two, he's decent. That means he'll be extremely overpriced, and that's usually not the Wenger way.

Gianluigi Buffon. When's the last time an Italian played for Arsenal? There's nothing like bringing in the reigning World Cup champion keeper. Clearly Buffon is a great option, and chances are he's ready to get out of Serie B. Along with being the world cup champion, Italy is also the reigning soccer violence champion – and that's something great to get away from, too.

Some American. Maybe football hasn't totally caught on in America yet, but the U.S. has perfected the art of goalkeeping. Hahnemann, Friedel, Keller, Howard – there have been plenty of American stoppers that have found success overseas. I'm not saying that he's good enough yet, but Arsenal did recently establish a working relationship with the Colorado Rapids, and Cannon is a pretty decent keeper... that's obviously a longshot.

Someone else. I'm curious what your thoughts are about the good, and obscure keepers that could end up wearing the Red and White next season...
The Germans dont want Jens? Fine, I'm hoping that Jens will stay on one more year and retire as an Arsenal player.

If he doesn't my choices would be;

1) Akinfeev

2) Gordon

I can't see Buffon ever coming to England, when there are a few rich Italian clubs that would love a World Cup winning GK.

Carson isn't good enough, and Wenger's been burned by English keepers before, so i can't see him shelling out for another.

A US keeper would be cool, but i can't see Wenger bringing one in as a #1. And if Lehmann leaves, that's what we need. One great GK, not two unproved ones.

[kanonier]

Bringing this thread back to the surface again, what ever happened to the kid keeper we signed from Atalanta back in '05? Vito Mannone? Is he still with us, and is he any good?

[Rungostar]

I wish Ben Foster was available. To me he's been incredibly impressive at Watford. 10 times the keeper Carson is IMO.