Arsenal plot summer swoop for Ajax keeper

Arsene Wenger is keeping tabs on Ajax goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, putting Manuel Almunia's Arsenal future in doubt.

The Dutchman, who has been at Ajax since 2001, was pivotal in his country's run to the World Cup final.

But the Amsterdam side are reportedly experiencing financial difficulties and, with Martin Jol set to leave his job to manage Fulham, Ajax fear they could lose a whole host of stars.

Goalkeeper Stekelenburg has attracted Wenger's interest and the Arsenal manager is now weighing up a bid.

Wenger claimed at the weekend that he does not have a number one choice as goalkeeper, with Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski failing to command his confidence.

Stekelenburg would be available for around £4million and, at 27, would represent a more viable long-term option than Wenger's other target, Fulham's 37-year-old Mark Schwarzer.