Transfer news: Arsenal considering moves for Iker Casillas and Victor Valdes to provide competition for Wojciech Szczesny

The Gunners' current back-up options will go this summer

Simon Rice
Tuesday 25 March 2014 13:25 GMT
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Iker Casillas
Iker Casillas

Arsenal are reportedly considering their goalkeeping options and could opt to launch a bid for one of either Iker Casillas or Victor Valdes.

The Gunners need to reappraise their current options with existing understudy Lukasz Fabianski due to leave at the end of the season. Third choice Emiliano Viviano will return to Palermo when his loan expires.

That has left Arsene Wenger needing to decide whether to find an understudy for Wojciech Szczesny or seek direct competition for the current number one.

Questions have been raised, not for the first time, about Szczesny's place as undisputed first choice at the Emirates following the 6-0 drubbing by Chelsea. It was a nightmare afternoon for the 23-year-old and came quickly after his rash decision making saw him sent off against Bayern Munich, a dismissal that played a huge role in Arsenal's Champions League exit.

Wenger will be aware that there are two goalkeepers of the highest calibre potentially available this summer.

Barcelona stopper Victor Valdes has already announced he will leave the Nou Camp when his deal expires at the end of the season. The 32-year-old is keen for a new challenge but Arsenal will face stiff competition for the Spaniard's signature, particular with mega-rich Monaco among those linked with a move.

Victor Valdes

Valdes' Spanish team-mate Iker Casillas could also be available this summer. The Real Madrid stalwart has found himself regularly playing understudy to Diego Lopez for a second season in a row and may decide the time is right to leave the Bernabeu, despite spending his entire career with Los Blancos. Should the Spain captain become available, much like Valdes, competition for his signature will be fierce. Real Madrid's willingness to let the 32-year-old go may depend on finding a suitable replacement, with some reports suggesting they will launch a bid for Manchester City's Joe Hart.

Wojciech Szczesny(left) wields his camera-phone after the victory at White Hart Lane. He later uploaded a different 'selfie' on his Facebook page

Szczesny said recently: “I am not afraid to fight for number one with anyone, Fabianski or Casillas.

"I hope I won't make the boss think, 'Wojciech's not my No 1'. It's all my hands. I am in the best form of my life."

Those comments came before last weekend's 6-0 defeat.

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