Another calamitous performance by Manuel Almunia against West Brom put Arsene Wenger under even more pressure to buy a goalkeeper when the transfer window opens in January. However, we have seen a continued reluctance from him to dip in to his transfer funds, even after growing pressure from fans wanting trophies and big name signings. Its now been proven that he has the funds available after the club announced record pre tax profits of £51.6 million and wiped out the debts relating to the Highbury property development which at one point amounted to £130 million. But is this reluctance to splash the cash on a much needed Number 1 part of an obsession of Wenger’s to prove the team’s youth academy can produce quality players all over the pitch?
Make no mistake, Arsenal’s youth academy is quite possibly the best in the league generating huge profit from the likes of Nicholas Anelka and producing first team regulars like Cesc Fabregas. But for all its success, it has not found that world class goalkeeper. Much was promised with Richard Wright and Stuart Taylor but injuries and pressure prevented them from cementing their place in the team. All over the pitch Arsenal have players that have risen from the Academy to become first team regulars. Gael Clichy cushioned the blow when Ashley Cole jumped ship and little needs to be said about Cesc Fabregas’ rise to the top. Alex Song and Abou Diaby have given Wenger more options in the middle even if they can be somewhat inconsistent. Much has been written about Jack Wilshere and although he has had a very strong start to the season, he needs more time to develop before he can be put in the same bracket as Fabregas. Up front, Arsenal are still slightly weak with the majority of goals coming from midfield but Nicklas Bendtner’s absence has not helped and Carlos Vela needs to begin delivering on a regular basis if he is ever going to become a first team regular.
So Arsenal’s academy has produced talent all over the pitch and this is demonstrated further by the youth team’s regular progress in the Carling Cup having already knocked out North London rivals Tottenham. So is Wenger going to stand firm until his academy produces star goalkeeper. Arsenal fans will hope not. Faith is wearily thin for current number two Lukasz Fabianski who has been cruelly dubbed “Flappy Handski” and Vito Mannone lacks the top flight experience to be a first teamer. Wenger will have to spend in January to end the club’s 5 year trophy drought and there are plenty of options available. Shay Given, widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premiership, looks to be becoming increasingly frustrated at sitting on the bench and could be available for a cut price fee, whilst Mark Schwarzer could be seen as a quick fix as he approaches the ripe old age of 38. There were also extravagant rumours of a £10 million move for Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon in the summer. It seems that the academy has a proven track record for producing some top class outfield players but the Number 1 jersey is proving elusive in establishing a consistent keeper that Wenger can reliable. If it is an obsession of Wenger’s to achieve this, the 5 year trophy drought looks set to continue.
Written By Toby Rummins
