Summer Targets: Rene Adler

A goalkeeper is apparently high on Wenger's shopping list this summer and Rene Adler is supposedly very near the top of that list. The German shot stopper has been impressive form for Hamburg this season, having moved there last summer on a free transfer from fellow Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.

Adler's goalkeeping pedigree is undeniable. In 2008 he was named German goalkeeper of the year and he would have been Germany's first choice 'keeper for the 2010 World Cup, but unfortunately a hip injury denied him of that opportunity.

The German has been sending mixed messages about whether he would be open to a move to Arsenal or not. Originally he came out saying, "For any player it is an honour to be linked with Arsenal. It is something that inspires me even more, and it is not distracting me."

However more recently he has been quoted as stating "I am under contract with Hamburg, that is a fact. I can say that I have not thought about leaving or considered a transfer since I joined Hamburg."

As you can see, very mixed messages. What I imagine has happened is that after Adler's initial comments he has been forced by Hamburg to curb his words. I think he would certainly be open to a move to Arsenal but if a player states that he wants to leave, it admittedly drives his price down as potential suitors now know that he is unhappy and the club may have to sell.

In recent weeks Wojciech Szczesny's rejuvenation in form has led people to question whether we need a new goalkeeper or not. In my opinion we definitely do. Without doubt Wojciech's return to form was brought about by Wenger dropping the Polish number 1. Until then Szczesny had been under no competition for his place, something which had caused him to become complacent and make silly errors.

The introduction of Adler would provide some serious competition for the number 1 spot. Also at 28 Adler would bring some much needed experience to the role, something Szczesny is currently lacking in my opinion.

In terms of a fee, Adler would be a much cheaper option to alternatives available in the Premier League  As Hamburg signed him on a free it is speculated Hamburg would let Adler go for around £8 million, about half the price of someone like Simon Mignolet.

So, I think Rene Adler would be a brilliant addition to our squad. He would provide serious competition for the goalkeeper's jersey, something we haven't had for years.

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