Wenger defends Almunia, understands frustration

With all the speculation surrounding the goalkeeping situation, manager Arsène Wenger says that it's understandable that Manuel Almunia is a bit 'unsettled'.

The Spaniard has had to endure continued rumours surrounding his future at the club, with many feeling that he is not good enough to be the first choice keeper at the club.

And Wenger has tried to avoid speaking on the subject in his pre-match interviews, saying: "It has been unsettling. It is a very sensitive subject which is difficult for me to talk about.

"You can understand that he is unsettled by that situation but on the other hand, when you play at Arsenal, that's what you have to deal with. You have to be strong enough to deal with that and I believe he is.

"Jens Lehmann had to deal with that situation because at some stage I took him out of the team and played Almunia so competition is part of our world.

"We have to accept that. I understand completely that it is not always easy but it is our world."

Fulham released a statement this week saying that they had rejected a second bid from Arsenal for goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

But, in responding to the West London club's statement, Wenger said: "I am not responsible for the Fulham statements.

"I never speak about the transfers, the offers, anything made about the players, because we have so many talks in football that are never concluded.

"It is always simple if you want to buy a player and the club doesn't agree: they say no so there is not a lot to talk about."

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