Almunia free to leave Gunners in January

Arsenal's flop keeper Manuel Almunia has been told he can leave in January for just £1.5m, according to reports.

Spain club Atletico Madrid are among the clubs monitoring Almunia’s situation and will be on the lookout for a new keeper if they cash in on highly-rated No.1 David de Gea, who has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United.

A website claims the 33-year-old, who has been replaced by Lukasz Fabianski and is currently oput of the first team picture with a mystery injury, could head to Atletico Madrid as a replacement for Manchester United-bound David de Gea.

Almunia has not played for Arsenal since late September, when he was at fault for two goals in the shock 3-2 home defeat to West Brom.

Boss Arsene Wenger then took him out of the firing line, claiming the Spaniard had suffered an elbow injury.

Financially-stricken

Although Almunia began the season in the Arsenal goal, his grip on the keeper’s jersey has remained precarious following the club’s summer-long pursuit of Mark Schwarzer, which ended when the Australian signed a new Fulham contract last week.*

Source: mirrorfootball.co.uk