Arsenal Given hope after Shay axe

(GSM) – With Joe Hart being picked as Manchester City’s goalkeeper in the season opener against Tottenham Hotspur, City ‘keeper Shay Given is reportedly set to quit Eastlands with Arsenal keen on him.

Given, 34, suggested earlier in the week that he would seriously consider his future should manager Roberto Mancini leave him on the bench for the Premier League opener.

A source close to the Republic of Ireland goalkeeper said last night: ‘Shay respects the manager’s decision even if he thinks it’s wrong. He is very, very disappointed, particularly bearing in mind his performances for City since he joined. He’ll meet his advisers over the weekend and consider his options. Until now Shay has been really happy at City.’

Arsenal want to sign a top keeper after manager Arsenal Wenger admitted he has lost confidence in both Manuel Almunia and Lukas Fabianski.

The Gunners tried to sign Fulham stopper Mark Schwarzer earlier in the summer, but saw their hopes dashed as the Cottagers snubbed their bids, confirming the Australia international’s stay at Craven Cottage.

However, with Given, long-thought to be one of the best goalkeepers in England, now unsettled, Wenger is reportedly ready to bid for the 34-year-old.

The only hindrance for the deal to go through, however, is City’s reluctance to let their keeper join arch-rivals Arsenal, who will battle with Manchester City and other clubs for the top positions in the Premier League standings.