The Vorm has turned: Arsenal line up Swansea keeper as replacement for Wojciech Szczesny

16 Mar 2013 23:00

Gunners could activate an affordable get-out clause in the Dutchman's contract - and are also monitoring Skrtel's situation at Liverpool

Dutch of class: Vorm has impressed since arriving at Swansea

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Arsene Wenger is weighing up a summer move for Swansea keeper Michel Vorm as he looks to replace Wojciech Szczesny as Arsenal’s No.1, writes the Sunday People.
The Gunners are aware they could activate an ‘affordable’ get-out clause in the Dutchman’s contract and have been closely watching the 29-year-old.
Szczesny’s poor form prompted Wenger to drop him for the midweek clash with Bayern Munich.
The Arsenal boss could be looking for two new keepers if Szczesny and fellow Pole Lukasz Fabianski are off-loaded.
Liverpool’s Pepe Reina is also a long-term target , along with Stoke’s Asmir Begovic – but he seems certain to join Manchester United.
Wenger could boost Liverpool and Swansea’s bank balances even further as he looks to make changes at the heart of his defence, with Martin Skrtel and Ashley Williams at the top of his list .
But it is Vorm who has impressed Arsenal scouts the most after a cut-price move from Utrecht to Swansea in the summer of 2011.
He is under contract at the Liberty Stadium for another three years but Wenger has the funds to tempt Swansea into selling.

Poles apart: Szczesny has made a number of high-profile errors this season

Mike Hewitt

 Vorm dismissed Arsenal’s chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League in the build-up to yesterday’s clash with his suitors. But the keeper could end up at the Emirates, whether in the Champions or Europa League.
Barcelona will play a key role in Wenger’s transfer dealings. They need long-term replacements for Eric Abidal and Carles Puyol and are weighing up a move for Thomas Vermaelen.
Wenger will consider offers in the region of £15million for the defender, who is considered to have gone off the boil since learning of Barca’s interest.
That will pave the way for him to sign a new centre-half.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers will allow Skrtel, who is out of favour at Anfield, to leave for around £13m.
The Gunners will face competition for Skrtel from Russian side Zenit St Petersburg if they decide to step up their interest, while they will also face a battle for the highly-rated Williams with Liverpool and Manchester United.
Williams has made it clear to Swansea, who would want at least £10m for him, that he wants to leave if a big club comes in for him this summer. --------------- Mirror Football