Arsenal rumours: Gunners lining up a bid for Butland

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal have been keeping a keen eye on England Under 21 goalkeeper Jack Butland, and the Gunners could make a move in an attempt to thwart Sunderland’s £1m bid in January.

The Birmingham keeper, who is currently on loan at Cheltenham, has been watched regularly by Gunners scouts this season, most recently chief scout Steve Rowley and goalkeeping coach Gerry Peyton observed the 18-year-old in England Under-21’s 5-0 victory over Iceland last Thursday.

Butland has yet to play a senior match for Birmingham, however they have handed him a lucrative contract to retain his services until at least 2015, emphasizing their faith in the young mans potential.

So this begs the question, will Wenger make a move for the talented youngster when Almunia and possibly Fabianski depart? Wojciech Szczesny is the long-term number one, and with the Mannone a capable candidate as backup goalkeeper, Butland could well get some playing time for the Gunners IF Fabianski leaves permanently, although he looks set to just make a loan move in January.

Is it a worry to have goal keepers that are all under 26 at the club once Almunia leaves for greener pastures? Comment below..