Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has dropped a massive hint that goalkeeper Manuel Almunia has the rest of the season to convince him not to go out and buy a ready-made replacement.
The Spaniard’s struggle for consistency has been highlighted this season and Wenger has skirted around the issue of whether or not he will start the new season with the 32-year-old former Celta Vigo man in his side.
The Gunners go to Wigan on Sunday (Wigan 11/2, draw 3/1, Arsenal 1/2 ) with little to play for following the midweek defeat to arch-rivals Spurs, with Wenger admitting: “We must forget the title race and try to finish as high as we can.
“It’s unlikely but you never know.”
Regarding Almunia’s future as the club’s number one, the French boss added: “I don’t think it is the best moment to talk about that. I never said he will be my long-term No 1.
“Almunia is a great keeper and is in competition with (Lukasz) Fabianski. I want to see how we finish so I don’t think it’s the best period to talk about individual players.”
While Arsenal’s season is effectively over, Latics have it all to play for given their perilous position at the wrong end of the table.
And the visitors’ injury problems will give DW Stadium chief Roberto Martinez hope of a result from the game.
But Wenger does not agree with the school of thought claiming his players could already be on the beach after slipping off the pace in the Premier League title race and crashing out of the Champions League to Barcelona.
He added: “Overall this team has gained a lot of credit and done extremely well so it is important that we do not get a negative vibe now.
“Our season will be judged on how well we finish and that is why we play a vital game on Sunday.”
Aside from his goalkeeping quandary, Wenger has also warned captain Cesc Fabregas not to take a backward step in his career amid continued interest from former club Barca.
Wenger argued: “If you are really competitive, you stay in England.
“That is where the competition is and that is where the best players want to be. I have so many calls from Spanish players who want to join us and want to come here.
“We want to keep this team together and improve from season to season. I believe we have made a big step forward considering last season and we want to do that again next season.”
Meanwhile, Wenger has acknowledged his is powerless to prevent William Gallas from walking away from the Emirates for nothing when his deal expires in the summer.
However, he is keen to keep hold of former England international Sol Campbell who made a shock return to the club this season after terminating his deal at Nott County.
“Gallas can sign where he wants. We are trying to re-sign him but he is legally free to sign where he wants so I don’t know where he will go,” said Wenger.
“I will have to sit down with Sol Campbell because if he is on board, if he is focused and motivated, he is an important player here.
“He is not only an important player and a good player but he is a winner.”
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