Lehmann's Dortmund Move Falls Through

Contrary to earlier reports, Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann will be staying at Arsenal until the Summer. I reported on Wednesday that the keeper had all but signed a deal with Borussia Dortmund with only minor details to be sorted out. However, Lehmann has decided to stay in the Premier League, promising to fight for a starting spot rather than be ensured regular first-team football in the Bundesliga.

The decision may affect whether or not Lehmann keeps his international place, as Germany coach Joachim Low warned that he may not feature in Euro 2008 if he isn't his club's number one goalkeeper.

Lehmann apologized for having inconvenienced Dortmund fans, and stated that the deal fell through due to 'personal reasons.'

"Although it would have been a very attractive challenge to play for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga once again, I have decided against taking this step due to personal reasons," he said.

"I am sorry, particularly to disappoint the people responsible at Borussia Dortmund, who have tried very professionally to convince me to move and gave me sufficient time for consideration."

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was pleased that the 38 year-old had chosen to stay with the Gunners and has promised to continue using Lehmann as a squad player.

"Lehmann will be on the bench [against Birmingham]," said the Frenchman.

"The indication I can give is that I am happy if he stays because he is an important player in the squad, like Gilberto also.

"We have such a young squad that these players have a big weight in the dressing room and a big input in the team. I am happy if they stay."

Jens Lehmann Free To Leave Arsenal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has stated that Jens Lehmann is free to leave the Gunners during the transfer window, but maintains that the veteran stopper has not yet decided on his future.

Rumors had it that Borussia Dortmund, the player's former club, were set to announce Lehmann's signing yesterday, but the day passed with little transfer movement of note, and Lehmann still at Arsenal.

"When I extended the contract for Jens, I opened the door that if he does not play [for us] and has a chance to play in the European Championships, then I would not stop him from leaving in January," said Wenger. "If he does not play, that means somebody else can get in front of him.

"I have heard that Dortmund made a press conference and they did not announce Jens but they are hopeful. The door is not closed for Jens, but at the moment we have not reached any agreement. I do not even believe he has made his mind up.

"He still thinks he should play, and I respect that. On one side you cannot want a player to give 100 per cent every day to be the best and then accept he is not the best. They do not work together.

"But what I respect the most is he is a player who comes in and does his job 100 per cent and does not talk too much. That is what he does at the moment."

Personally, I'm not too sure about that last part. Lehmann lost his first-choice place in large part due to the fact that he could not stop criticizing Manuel Almunia, and even at times Wenger himself.

I am keen to see the club cash in on the German. He performed well for Arsenal in past seasons, and I commend him for that, but his recent dip of form, in conjunction with his volatile personality makes me hope that he leaves sooner rather than later.

200% Professional Lehmann May Leave In January

Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has lost his starting place at Arsenal due to two mistakes in the first two games of the season, and an early-season injury.

Since then Manuel Almunia has started every Premier League game, with Lehmann, the former first-choice keeper, relegated to the bench.

The German keeper has been incredibly critical of manager Arsene Wenger and Manuel Almunia, going public on his feelings that he is by far the better keeper at Arsenal.

Nonetheless, Arsene Wenger claims that he has a chance to break back into the team before January.

"If the situation is still like this in January we will see. We are still in November. November and December is plenty of time to win his place back," said Wenger.

"He is up for the challenge because he is 200% professional."

I don't think too many people would agree that Lehmann is professional, but it's not too hard to understand his frustration.

Germany coach Joachim Loew has told Lehmann that he needs to regain a starting spot before Christmas if he wants to continue to be Germany's number one. Lehmann will therefore look for a way out of Arsenal if he hasn't regained his spot by January.

"Given what the Germany coach says, I will have to see how things are in December," said Lehmann.

"I definitely want to play at Euro 2008. Playing there has always been my aim.

"The Bundesliga is always attractive and is an option, and maybe the German second division is too," he added.

However, he still hopes to dislodge Almunia before the transfer window.

"The situation is as it is. It is only important what the manager decides and I am using this phase to train intensively every day.

"The manager knows I am highly motivated. I would like to play again soon and expect that I will do.

"I would be very surprised if that was not the case."

Personally, I'd be very surprised if he did get his place back. As far as I'm concerned I'd rather see him leave.