Almunia joins Hammers on loan

Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia has joined Championship side West Ham United on a one-month emergency loan.

The Spaniard moves across London to join the Hammers as cover for the injured Robert Green who is having an operation on Friday on his damaged knee and will miss six weeks.

Almunia follows Henri Lansbury in moving from the Emirates to Upton Park, after making 175 appearances for the Gunners over a seven-year period.

The shot-stopper had established himself as the number one with Arsenal, but has since been replaced by Wojciech Szczesny and Lukasz Fabiankski as Arsene Wenger’s first choice goalkeepers.

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce, speaking to the club’s official website, thanked Wenger for allowing him to bring Almunia in and said he hoped his experience would prove beneficial for the Hammers.

“We’ve been hot on the phone and secured an excellent signing in the short term,” Allardyce told West Ham TV.

“It’s a big thank you to Arsene Wenger and Arsenal for allowing us to get such a high-class and experienced goalkeeper to come and fill in for Robert for the time being.”

David Gold tweeted: “Sorry to inform you that Rob Green is having an operation today and will be out for 6 weeks and we wish him a speedy recovery.”

The 34-year-old will now be in line to make his debut in Saturday’s clash against Crystal Palace.