Arsenal Snubbed by Bundesliga Club's Goalkeeper

Rumoured Arsenal goalkeeper target René Adler has dismissed the possibility of a summer transfer to the Gunners. The 28-year-old German international is in fine form with Hamburg SV in the Bundesliga, having made over 100 saves in only 29 appearances.

Hamburg are eighth in the German top flight, with 44 points from 30 games, and they remain in contention for a Champions League spot for next term; Schalke 04 are fourth but only two points ahead.

Arsene Wenger was linked to Adler as a possible alternative to first choice target Asmir Begovic. The Stoke City stopper, according to the Mirror, could cost as much as £15m while Adler is reportedly valued at only £5m.

The Gunners have the Polish pair of Wojciech Szczesny and Lukas Fabianski, as well as Italian Vito Mannone. However, the trio have failed to impress this season and Wenger is believed to want a new No 1 in the summer. Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes has been linked with a move to north London, following confirmation he will not renew his Nou Camp contract.

Adler came very highly recommended by the Premier League club's scouts, who compared him to former goalkeeper Jens Lehmann. Unfortunately for Arsenal fans, it appears this German is reluctant to transfer to London.

"Sometimes you should just be satisfied with what you have right now. I don't feel like moving yet again," Adler said, in response to the rumours. The goalkeeper, who only transferred to the club in the summer, admitted he was nevertheless "honoured" by the interest from Arsenal.

Hamburg general manager Frank Arnesen told German newspaper Bild he knew of interest from Arsenal but said there had been no formal contact. Should there be any such contact Arnesen is well-placed to conduct negotiations, having spent time as director of football at both Tottenham and Chelsea.

Arsene Wenger on Manchester United's Visit

Thoughts of summer transfers will be put on hold on Sunday afternoon, when Arsenal host newly crowned Premier League champions Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson's men will visit the Emirates after having sealed a record 20th championship last Monday and will be accorded the traditional Guard of Honour.

However, Wenger dismissed any notion United would take it easy on this trip. Arsenal will be by far the more desperate side in this tie; the Gunners need all three points to cement their position in the race for Champions League football next term.

"It's easy to ease off, yes. Your tendency is to relax a little bit. The fact is they might continue to go [for it], or because it is just the next game. You are still on the high for the next game. It would be a big mistake for us to think they will ease off straight away on Sunday, "Wenger told www.arsenal.com.