Lehmann to stay at Arsenal till end of season

German international goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has stated his intention to stay with Arsenal through the end of this season.

The 38 year-old shot-stopper has been the subject of intense transfer speculation following his dip in form, and the loss of a first team spot to Manuel Almunia. Reports also implied that the Arsenal number one had fallen out with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger after his criticism of the Frenchman's choice to play Manuel Almunia.

However, Arsene Wenger recently stated that Lehmann was '200% professional' and declared that he still had plenty of time to win his place back before the January transfer window.

It now seems that the German keeper will not leave the team during the window, despite having allegedly received offers from other clubs.

Lehmann said: "I want to stay with Arsenal until the end of the season.

"I have a responsibility with regard to my family and for my children, even if I were not to regain my place.

"I cannot just leave like that before the season ends."

This will come as a disappointment to some Gooners who hoped that Jussi Jaaskelainen would join the club, but I think we need to give the angry German another chance. He has, after all, served the club faithfully since 2003.

Arsenal Rumors: Hoyte and Jaaskelainen

Arsenal's young right-back Justin Hoyte is reportedly being targeted for a loan move by both Everton and Charlton. However, Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger has already firmly stated that the right-back will not go out on loan this season.

Everton, who have a strong defensive lineup already, would want the 22 year-old to replace Joseph Yobo who will miss parts of January and February due to the African Cup of Nations.

Alan Pardew on the other hand simply wants to bolster the Charlton defense, and sees the Arsenal right-back as the right man for the job.

Other rumors link Arsenal to Bolton Wanderer's goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen. With Jens Lehmann's dip in form, Arsene Wenger has been relying on Manuel Almunia to tend the goal, but the Spaniard does not have the quality that a top team like Arsenal requires.

Jaaskelainen's contract with Bolton runs out in the Summer, and as the team are currently in the relegation zone, it seems unlikely that he would sign an extension. The price in January, therefore, would be quite cheap, and Jaaskelainen would be a great addition to Arsenal's squad, at least until Fabianski is old enough to wear the number one jersey.

Jens Lehmann injured again

In my last post I stated that Jens Lehmann would be eligible to play, after returning from injury. However, it seems that Lehmann has suffered from a reaction to the elbow injury he picked up in Germany's 2-0 win over Wales in Euro 2008 Qualifying last Saturday.

Timo Hildebrand is going to replace Lehmann for Germany's friendly against Romania which is to be played tomorrow. It is also unsure whether Lehmann will be fit in time for Arsenal's London derby against arch-rivals Tottenham. However, he was never guaranteed a spot in the game anyways, following his high profile errors and Manuel Almunia's decent performances.

While Lehmann is confident that he is still Arsenal's number 1, Arsenal fans have been less sure of this, and at 37 years-old he doesn't have that much time left in his Arsenal career. Arsenal have recently been linked with Celtic's Artur Boruc and Bolton's Jussi Jaaskelainen, both of whom are arguably better keepers than the out of form Arsenal 'keeper.

I'm not sure if Wenger should start Lehmann over Almunia, but I would like to get him back from injury to at least spur some competition between the two. Let's all send him get well cards.