• Premier League

Wenger ready for Almunia to end Arsenal career

ESPN staff
January 7, 2011
Manuel Almunia's last appearance came against West Brom © PA Photos
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Arsene Wenger has admitted Manuel Almunia could leave Arsenal, revealing the pair have discussed the goalkeeper's future and there is a "small chance" the Spaniard could depart.

Almunia's season has been disrupted by injury over recent months, with elbow and ankle injuries curtailing his involvement. However, the 33-year-old's position was already under pressure before the fitness problems started, with his last appearance coming in the 3-2 home defeat to West Brom.

Since then, Lukasz Fabianski and Wojciech Szczesny have both had chances to stake their claims for a starter's jersey, and the latter is tipped for a big future at Arsenal.

Almunia has 18 months remaining on his current deal, and he has plenty of admirers at Galatasaray, Malaga and Atletico Madrid. Wenger has previously stated his desire to hold onto his goalkeeper, but he revealed in Friday's press conference that Almunia could leave.

"There is a small chance," confirmed Wenger. "Yes, I have had a chat with him, but nothing is decided. We are in no-man's land at the moment on that front."

Meanwhile, Wenger has admitted his preferred loan destination for young Mexican forward Carlos Vela is Bolton, but no deal has been agreed. Bolton manager Owen Coyle wants to loan Vela in a similar deal to that of Jack Wilshere last season, and Wenger admits an English club is preferable.

"We have a choice and that is basically the problem because he has the choice as well and we need him to feel comfortable to go where he would like to go," said Wenger. At the moment we have requests from France, Spain, England and we have to sort that out.

"Because players of his quality on loan on a market that is very restricted money-wise, you have an abundance of clubs who want him. There are about three or four in the Premier League. I would prefer him to stay in England, because it is easier for us to go and watch him, to come to conclusions as it is much easier to compare in the Premier League than if he goes to another country."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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