With the season nearing its end and the transfer window quickly approaching, the rumor mill has begun to heat up. One name linked to Arsenal that would be an ideal under-the-radar addition is Swansea City goalkeeper Michel Vorm.
Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail reports the Gunners are interested in bringing in Vorm to provide some competition for current starter Wojciech Szczesny. With Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski likely on the way out, Arsenal will lack depth between the pipes.
Damian Martinez is expected to get called up, but his lack of experience against elite competition means manager Arsene Wenger must find a veteran to provide some stability. Vorm, who will be looking to secure a spot on the Netherlands' Euro 2012 squad, fits the bill.
Swansea City exceeded expectations this season with a mid-table finish after getting promoted last summer. One of the major reasons for the Swans' success was Vorm's strong play in goal. He stole several points, which ensured the team wouldn't have to endure a relegation battle.
A move to Arsenal would come at a perfect time, considering it seems like the Gunners aren't completely sold on Szczesny being able to carry the team. The 22-year-old Polish star has battled inconsistency since being named the team's first-choice keeper.
That gives Vorm a chance to earn some playing time if he can turn some heads following a move. He's picked up 13 clean sheets in 36 league games while playing behind a far more shaky back line than he would have with Arsenal.
The competition should also bring the best out of Szczesny.
If he wants to maintain his spot, he'll have to earn it through his performance in practice and games. That hasn't been the case with Almunia and Fabianski behind him. He was basically guaranteed the starting job.
Maybe having an option like Vorm behind him will finally bring the best out of Szczesny. Nobody has ever denied his talent, but living up to that potential hasn't been an easy task, and complacency may have certainly played a role.
There wouldn't be any room for that if Arsenal brings in Vorm. He would have to play his best every time out, and there wouldn't be nearly as much margin for error.
The biggest winner of the competition wouldn't be either keeper, but rather the Gunners as a whole. No matter who's in net, the team would have faith the job would be handled nicely.
It's still early in the process, so things are likely to change. But as of now, Vorm seems like an ideal target for the Gunners.
Damaso Marte Mariano Rivera Kerry Wood Francisco Cervelli Chad Moeller Jorge Posada
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