According to Goal.com, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are doing what they do quite often: competing. This time, however, they are competing in the boardroom, as opposed to the pitch.
“Arsenal and North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur are being linked with a possible move for highly-rated young Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey. Wolves goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey is reported by several media sources be a target for both Arsenal and Spurs after demonstrating during the 2007-08 season for both club and country that he is a top prospect. Some reports suggest Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is mulling over an £8 million bid, though others put Hennessey’s price at closer to £5million.”
While I would be shocked if Spurs or Arsenal would pull the trigger for £8 mil, I would not be shocked to see either team keep tabs on the Welsh international. He did have a great year for Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers. He kept 21 clean sheets last season and was voted in as the keeper for the Professional Footballers’ Association Team of the Year (Championship).
This move seems to make more sense for Spurs, as they are in much more need of a goalkeeper. Boss Juande Ramos has made it painfully clear that he has zero faith in Paul Robinson. With Radek Cerny moving on to QPR, Spurs could definitely use the services of young Hennessey. Though his value has fluctuated in the papers, Spurs’ top choice Joe Hart could cost the club between £8 and £10 million. If that turns out to be the actual figure, Hennessey would be cheaper, but far less proven than City’s Hart.
For Arsenal, it casts doubt about how strong Wenger’s faith is in his current goalkeeper Manuel Almunia. With long-time Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann moving on to the Bundesliga, Almunia’s lone backup will be promising young keeper Lukasz Fabianski. I doubt Wenger would buy another expensive keeper, unless he does not see either Almunia or Fabianski as long-term contributors. Though I may be more sold on Fabianski than some, I doubt he is willing to give up on him already. If they were to sign Hennessey, I don’t see Almunia being at the Emirates for the long-term.
Though this might just be paper talk, I see Spurs pursuing him much more seriously than the Gunners, because they have a much more pressing need at keeper. That being said, I still think he is only strongly considered if Spurs lose out on, or are priced out of, the Joe Hart/ Allan McGregor sweepstakes.