Arsenal Line Up Lehman Deal

Arsenal are closing in on re-signing Jens Lehman on loan for the rest of the season. The retired 41-year-old goalkeeper played for Arsenal for five years until 2008 and will act as emergency cover for Manuel Almunia.

Injuries to Wojciech Szczesny, Lukasz Fabianski and Vito Mannone have left the Spaniard as the only fit keeper and now Wenger has moved to add the German veteran as cover. Lehman joined Stuttgart after leaving the Gunners but has been a free agent since leaving the Bundesliga club in 2010.

The German international enjoyed considerable success during his time with the North London club, and was part of the 2003 “Invincibles” that went an entire league season unbeaten. Lehman admits it was the chance of winning more trophies with Arsenal that lured him back.

"I know this Arsenal team and I am sure we can go on and win the title. If I can play a part in that, so much the better. It never crossed my mind that I might end up saving it (Arsenal's keeper crisis). But when they asked me, I was more than happy to oblige.

"It was just over the last few days that they contacted me to see if I could help out for the rest of the season and I agreed straight away."

Arsenal have gone out of three competitions in the last two weeks. Having lost to Birmingham in the Carling Cup final and Manchester United in the FA Cup, Barcelona ended their European ambitions by knocking them out of the Champions League. Bigfreebet have them as second favourite for the league title, but if they can overturn Manchester United’s current advantage, Arsenal will end a trophy-less run that goes back to 2005.

Lehman had a difficult relationship with Almunia and complained of inequalities in Arsene Wenger’s selection policy when the two were competing for the goalkeeping jersey, but insists there is no bad blood between the two.

“That was then, but this is different.” He said when questioned about the pair’s relationship.

"I am ready for the challenge, but I know my main job will be helping out and providing cover. I have a lot of experience and I am happy to pass it on to Almunia or whoever else is in goal."

If the move goes through in time, he could be included in Arsenal’s squad to face West Brom on Saturday, a game which Big Free Bet have installed Wenger’s side as clear favourites for.