Over the past seven four years, fans have been a witness to the rise and fall of Jens Lehmann. He was the number one goalkeeper in Arsenal’s 03/04 undefeated season – not missing a game. However, in the middle of the 04/05 season, he was no longer automatic choice, with Spaniard, and current goalkeeper, Manuel Almunia taking the show. Unbelievably, Lehmann rose again, and in the 05/06 campaign, he was in the best form of his career. During this stellar-year, Lehmann (Arsenal) broke the record for the most consecutive clean sheets in the Champions League with ten, whilst also breaking the record taking over Edwin van der Sar’s record – 853 minutes without conceding a goal.
Yet, this season, after two horrible blunders in the opening games of the 07/08 season, patient Manuel Almunia has come in to defend the goals, and thus far, has done an outstanding job. This has triggered debate among the press, and Lehmann, supposedly, is looking for a way out.
One possibility that arose was that of a transfer to Karlsruhe, a team that one the Bundesliga 2 Title in 2007.
However, coach Becker says he is not looking to sign the 38-year-old to replace injured No.1 Markus Miller.
“Lehmann is absolutely not part of our plans,” Becker told Badische Neueste Nachrichten.
“Of course we will be discussing the question of our goalkeeper.
“But if we look for someone during the winter transfer window, it will be to cover for Kornetzky or Thomas Unger, our current No.3.
“We are not thinking about any spectacular moves.”
At this rate, it looks like Arsenal may have to hang on to Lehmann, in hope that his concentration and antics will resolve. Should Arsenal dispose of this madman? or is he too good to let go?