“Replace Almunia then dream of title”, says former Arsenal boss

(GSM) – Former Arsenal manager George Graham believes the club will have to sell their first-choice goalkeeper Manuel Almunia before they can challenge for the Premier League title.

Almunia is once again under the spotlight after his error allowed Gonzalo Jara to score West Brom’s second goal in a shock 3-2 home defeat against the newly-promoted side on Saturday.

Arsenal tried to sign Fulham shot-stopper Mark Schwarzer in the summer but they could not match the Cottagers’ asking price for the Australia international.

Reports have suggested Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger is looking to sign Craig Gordon in the winter or retry to sign Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina.

“I think if you’re going to really be realistic challengers for the Premiership you need a top, top class goalkeeper,” Graham told Five Live.

“I think Almunia is a good goalkeeper, but there’s about half a dozen good goalkeepers in the Premier League. I think Arsenal need an outstanding goalkeeper. I think they should be looking all round the world, not just in England or Europe.”