The Sun reports that Arsenal are preparing a £5.5m bid for Cagliari goalie Federico Marchetti last seen in the World Cup for the disastrous Azzurri. If this is indeed the case, then it is a disappointing choice.
Marchetti is estranged from Cagliari following his desire to play for Sampdoria with the opportunity of Champions League experience but the deal fell through because as per Marchetti his club asked for too much money. It led to some very emotional and damaging outbursts which prompted Cagliari to put him on the transfer market.
What we saw at the World Cup was not very inspiring.
Marchetti conceded four goals on six shots against New Zealand and Slovakia. He was uncomfortable dealing with crosses and beaten in the air on a number of occasions. These are the same sort of flaws that got Manuel Almunia into trouble- so why does Wenger want some more of the same? Different day, different goalie, same result.
Pay less and get Mark Schwarzer, a good goalie, excellent in the air with a safe pair of hands (Fulham has been cold to Arsenal's overtures) and develop Wojciech Szczęsny in the meantime to phase out the older Schwarzer in a couple of years. Or pay more to get a younger goalkeeper of calibre like Maarten Stekelenburg who will give at least another decade of service.
Marchetti did made more than 60 appearances for Cagliari, and he had a very good fan base there. Still a young goal keeper and would be a good number 2 for club and country.