Wenger After Given?
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Arsene Wenger is keen to replace the veteran German following his departure for VfB Stuttgart, as he is left with only Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski to guard the Gunners goal.
Almunia was solid last season, although his clutch shot-stopping left something to be desired, while Fabianski is tipped as one for the future.
Hence, Wenger is seeking a top-notch No. 1 this summer, and News of the World claims that Given is right at the top of the Frenchman’s wish-list.
The Republic of Ireland has long been recognised as one of the Premier League’s most outstanding goalkeepers, but recent injury problems and a chronic lack of defensive cover has left his Toon career in a somewhat underwhelming middle-ground.
The 32-year-old could be open to change of scene, and Wenger would be more than happy to accommodate that by way of a ₤3.5million bid for the former Blackburn man.
With Steve Harper proving himself a reliable understudy and Dutch youngster Tim Krul tipped as one of the most promising young keepers in Europe, Magpies boss Kevin Keegan may be to let Given end his 332-game career at St. James’ Park.
