Anyone who reads the gossip columns and the newspapers will have seen recently that Arsenal where linked with a £8million move for Newcastle’s Shay Given. The rumours have since diesd down but I thought that I would write this piece and see if a conclusion can be drawn.

Arsenal’s current number one is, as everyone knows, Manuel Almunia. Manuel joined Arsenal on July 18th 2004 from Celta Vigo having been on loan to many clubs. He deputised for Jens Lehmann until last season, but made an appearance in the European Cup Final when Jens was dismissed for a foul on Samuel Eto’o. Manuel proved last season and in the early part of this season that he is a very good goalkeeper making many vital saves in the course of a campaign.

Lukas Fabianski joined Arsenal on May 26th 2007 from Legia Warsaw and has established himself as Arsenal’s number two keeper and ‘cup keeper’. After an amazing save in the Carling Cup this season against Reading some people were suggesting that Lukas was going to challenge Manuel to the number 1 jersey. But in the next game against Wigan he appeared a little shaky, yet in his recent F.A. Cup appearance and against Manchester United (when he came on to replace the concussed Manuel) he came across as confident and in control.

This then brings me to our third choice keeper, Vito Mannone. He joined Arsenal from Atlanta on July 1st 2005. Having played mostly for the youth and reserve teams he was promoted to third choice after the departure of Jens Lehmann. Lot much is known about Vito although rumours emerged from the Arsenal camp that he is not particularly good. Someone within the club revealed to me that during their training camp in the summer the players where having shots at Vito and were rolling around in laughter at some of the mistakes he made. In fairness it is impossible to judge his ability until we see him making an appearance for the Gunners.

So we must then ask the question if someone such as Shay Given would be beneficial to Arsenal’s progress. Everyone will have their own opinion. Mine is that I believe that Manuel and Lukas are very capable and in my mind are good enough. I don’t feel worried every time the ball goes near them like I used to with Jens Lehmann.

But on the other hand, would someone like Shay Given be a good investment? I have admired him for years and being a 17 year old who plays in goal for a local club, I have on many occasions admired and idolised him. He may be 32 years of age, which many would suggest is old (don’t tell my dad that!) but he would give us and maybe the defence that bit of extra confidence.

Whatever Arsenal do, whether they buy another keeper or stick with the current keepers, in my mind it is not a position that needs to be strengthened.