Manuel Almunia 'ready to quit Arsenal' over goalkeeper transfer speculation

Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia looks set to leave Arsenal before the end of the August transfer window because of continuing speculation over the impending arrival of a new goalkeeper, it has emerged.

(0)Related Tags:Shay GivenArsene WengerRoberto ManciniJoe HartManchester Arsenal's Manuel Almunia may request a transfer amid continuing speculation over his future Despite keeping a first clean sheet of the season in the 6-0 win over Blackpool on Saturday, Almunia remains unsettled at the club amid rumours of either Mark Schwarzer or Shay Given arriving this week.Fulham shot-stopper Schwarzer has been linked with a 4million transfer for several weeks, while Given is likely to leave Manchester City before the end of the month because of Roberto Mancini's preference for Joe Hart in goal.And Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has admitted the constant talk surrounding the position is troubling his current number one."It is a very sensitive subject which is difficult for me to talk about," Wenger said.

More: Arsenal transfer news and rumours "You can understand he is unsettled by the situation, but on the other hand, when you play at Arsenal, that is what you have to deal with."You have to be strong enough to deal with that and I believe he is."Almunia endured a difficult 2009/10 season, which saw his position questioned by pundits and fans alike after a series of high-profile and costly errors.As a result, Arsenal have been linked with a number of goalkeepers throughout the summer, including Fiorentina's Sebastien Frey and Ajax's Maarten Stekelenburg, as well as Given and Schwarzer.But Wenger has refused to comment on the speculation, adding: "For us what is important at the moment in front of a big game is that we focus on the players we have."Almunia is No1 it is important that we give him the need! ed confi dence, that we trust him, and that we focus."


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