http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/a ... -MIRE.html
MOVE FOR MAARTEN PUTS MANUEL IN MIRE
Wenger after Stekelenburg as replacement for Spanish stopper.
RSENE WENGER is monitoring Ajax goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, putting Manuel Almunia's Arsenal future further in doubt.
The Dutch goalkeeper was pivotal in his country's run to the World Cup final and has been at Ajax since 2001.
Although Ajax have been boosted by Martin Jol's snub to Fulham, the former Tottenham boss has been told he will have to sell players if he wants to strengthen his squad.
Luis Suarez, Ajax's most saleable asset, looks set to stay at the club after Jol's decision to stay on as manager as the pair enjoy a good relationship but other stars will have to be moved on.
Goalkeeper Stekelenburg has attracted Wenger's interest and the Arsenal manager is now weighing up a bid.
Wenger claimed he does not have a number one choice as goalkeeper, with Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski failing to command his confidence.
Stekelenburg would be available for around £4m and at 27 would represent a more viable long-term option than Wenger's other target, Fulham's 37-year-old Mark Schwarzer.
An Ajax insider said: "I don't think Luis Suarez will leave us this summer but as for the others, there's a good chance one or two have to leave.
"I know there's an English club interested in the goalkeeper, for sure."
+++
Please, please let this be true, the thought of seeing Almunia or Flappy playing for us again, is making me feel quite nauseous.