Emiliano Viviano
A new goalkeeper was another position high on Arsenal’s priority this summer, with Wojciech Szczesny showing himself to be an unreliable first-choice over the last year or so. The erratic Polish international has perhaps been made number one too early on in his career, and has suffered from some high-profile individual errors of late, and it was no surprise to see the likes of Julio Cesar being linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
In the end, however, Wenger again chose the cheap option and managed to avoid spending money by bringing in Palermo goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano on a season-long loan. The 27-year-old was also loaned out by his club to Fiorentina last season, with the Serie A side opting not to keep him. Still, it is certainly a positive that the Gunners boss has identified this position of weakness and looked to rectify it, even if some will question Viviano as much of a step up from Szczesny. A loan move also means they are not committed to keeping the player if he under-performers, and a spell out of the side just for a year could be what Szczesny needs to be more mentally ready to become the club’s starting ‘keeper next season.
Overall, an unspectacular but sensible piece of business by Arsenal. 6/10.