Arsenal target picks up Golden Gloves award
If Arsene Wenger has been entertaining any lingering doubts about signing Julio Cesar for Arsenal, then his performances in the Confederations Cup over the last couple of weeks should have convinced him once and for all. The 33-year old has been in excellent form for Brazil, helping them to lift the tournament trophy with a stunning victory over Spain last night in the final.
After a few nervous moments in Brazil’s opening game against Japan, Cesar has been in imperious form. He has conceded just three goals in the five games Brazil have played, saving an early penalty from Forlan of Uruguay in the semi-final, which could have led to the hosts going out.
Last night’s final was probably his best game. Although he didn’t get a touch to Sergio Ramos’ penalty, he went the right way and Ramos says he had to adjust, which is why it clipped the post. Even when Brazil were clearly going to win, Cesar pulled off a couple of stunning saves to deny the Spanish even a consolation goal.
Harry Redknapp has accepted that QPR in the championship is no place for a keeper of Cesar’s class, and Arsenal will get themselves a real bargain for around £2-3 million. Even if we only get another two or three years from him, it will be worth it, and if some of his big game temperament can rub off on Wojciech Szczesny, it will be an excellent bonus. Wenger and his staff need to strike now and seal the deal quickly, before his performances get some other clubs thinking.
