Jens Lehmann in line for shock return to Arsenal

Lehmann has re-joined Arsenal (GETTY IMAGES)

Arsenal are to offer former goalkeeper Jens Lehmann a short-term deal to return to the club according to reports.

The Gunners are currently in the midst of a goalkeeping injury crisis. Wojciech Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski have both been ruled out, while Vito Mannone, who is on loan at Hull, is also out injured. It means the Gunners have only one senior goalkeeper fit, in the shape of Manuel Almunia.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said last week: "We need now an experienced goalkeeper as cover for Almunia." It would now appear, according to various reports, that in his desperation to solve the crisis, Wenger is willing to offer the former Germany international a short term deal to rejoin the club.

The 41-year-old, who played for Arsenal for five years, retired at the end of last season. Although he recently returned to Arsenal's training base London Colney for a six-week coaching stint.

Lehmann has been quoted as saying: "I am in London and so far have heard nothing of such plans, but you never know."