There has been recent press speculation that Arsenal may be interested in signing Barcelona goalkeeper Ruud Hesp, available on a free transfer in the summer. He’s looked a good keeper and there’s a lot to be said for future planning but we are rather blessed with goalkeeping talent, so do we actually need anyone else?

There’s England’s number one goalkeeper David Seaman, Austria’s number one Alex Manninger and, even if you’re not sure on the merits of us still having John Lukic knocking about, there is also England under-21 keeper Stuart Taylor making dramatic progress.

Arsene Wenger will have to decide this summer whether or not he wishes to add a new keeper to that mix, or if he already has just what he needs. So before the boss puts on his thinking cap put your hand on your heart for a moment, you’ve got a decision to make here. Who should be Arsenal’s first choice goalkeeper as of now: David Seaman or Alex Manninger?

Well that’s easy isn’t it. It’s Seaman. Obviously. He’s been our goalie since the start of the ‘90/’91 season and his magnificent saves and presence have undoubtedly been huge factors in Arsenal winning three league titles, two FA Cups, a League Cup and a Cup Winners’ Cup during his time at Highbury. Add to that his continuing reign as England’s number one and David Seaman definitely has to remain as our first choice keeper. Or does he?

Alex Manninger was brought in as Seaman’s understudy, at the beginning of the Double-winning season, with an aim become Arsenal’s first-team goalkeeper. Alex’s opportunities have been occasional to say the least and have largely resulted via Seaman’s periods of injury. But Manninger has rarely let us down when he has played, with his excellent form during that Double season clearly playing a significant role in those Premiership and FA Cup triumphs.

There was criticism last season that Alex was not playing to his previously high standards. That has been followed by similar comments this term with regards to his handling, particularly away to Barcelona. However it must be difficult to achieve cracking performances from a standing start, when suddenly called upon after a period on the sidelines and that is Manninger’s brief .

Wenger clearly has a dilemma on his hands: does he prolong David Seaman’s Highbury career and thus risk losing the ambitious and somewhat impatient Manninger? Or does he thank Seaman for his marvellous services and hand the reins over to Alex?

Goalkeepers can often play on well towards their late thirties and, with Seaman now thirty-six, he could well have a few more quality seasons in him. But to the other extreme we are all aware of the ubiquitous adage that if you are good enough you are old enough and that notion would certainly apply to Manninger.

Although Seaman continues to be our first choice and regains his place in the side when free from injury, Wenger will surely have a problem on his plate if he persists in delaying Manninger’s graduation to regular first team duties. Alex will not accept second best for long and to lose him would be a dreadful loss for the future. But when is the right time to end Seaman’s prominence?

If Wenger truly is considering the signing the likes of Hesp from Barcelona such a move will clearly complicate the picture. Where would Hesp stand in the pecking order? If Seaman remains first choice would Hesp go ahead of Manninger? Or if Seaman is no longer head goalie would Hesp become Manninger’s understudy? And what of Stuart Taylor’s future? If a new keeper is brought in, be it to replace anyone or simply to contest the regular spot, there can be little doubt that it would unbalance the already precarious nature of the competition for the keeper’s jersey.

To sign a new goalkeeper, although intended to sharpen those on our books, could undoubtedly precipitate Seaman or particularly Manninger wishing to leave. Now that might be the intention or it may just be that Wenger plans to move Seaman on, install a new keeper such as Hesp and let him and Manninger strive to earn the top jersey between them. But whatever his plans are there is no doubt that the idea of bringing in a new keeper will shorten the odds for yet another very promising Arsenal kiddie - namely keeper Stuart Taylor - ever having a worthwhile Highbury career.

For my money, I’d have Manninger on much more of a first team role next season, with Stuart Taylor given increasing chances, particularly in the Worthington Cup. Seaman does not need to be jettisoned wholesale but, it seems clear to me that if we are not to lose either, or even both, of Alex Manninger or Stuart Taylor, then we need to think very carefully about the merits of David Seaman playing until he drops, before we even consider signing anybody else.