According to Metro, Arsenal could be in pursuit of German goalkeeper Rene Adler for the third time in his career, after the shot stopper revealed he would not be against accepting the opportunity he declined twice before, if it were to present itself in the upcoming January transfer window.

Arsenal have arguably been the team to beat this season, after maintaining their place at top of the Barclays Premier League. After nearly a decade without a trophy in the cabinet, pressure was growing on the club from supporters who demand success equivalent to a top four club. The club have not been in the best shape in the past few years, with last season a perfect example, where the side were celebrating just about making it into the top four and saving embarrassment of not qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. So much so, that certain sections of supporters were doubting the commitment of Arsene Wenger, who was rumored to have been poached by Paris Saint Germain as a replacement for Carlo Ancelotti. Hence, this season was one where Wenger also had to prove a point or two to the critics that doubted his commitment. The Frenchman will be pleased at the performances of his players, who have gelled together in a short span of time to develop a team spirit in the squad. Club record signing Mesut Ozil has been the spark of the season for the club, and has been able to create a quick impact in the side’s displays.

The goalkeeping department was under certain pressure after Vito Mannone left the club in the summer to get first team action, leaving Wojciech Szcesny as the number one for Wenger.

Adler plies his trade for Bundesliga side Hamburg, and at 28, is an experienced shot stopper who also spent half of his career at Bayer Leverkusen, playing 138 matches for the club. His experience could be vital for Wenger, as his side prepare to play a hectic second half of the season, where they cannot afford injuries.

Adler said, “When I was 15 there was the opportunity to move to Arsenal, but I decided to go to Leverkusen to get a professional contract there,”

“There was also contact after the Under-20 World Cup in the Netherlands. I played against Lionel Messi and some other big names and there was contact with Arsenal.”

“I’d like to play in England in the future. You can’t say never in football.

“Football in England is some kind of religion. The fans, the culture behind the big clubs is very interesting.

“It’s a big honour for me if a club like Arsenal are interested in me.”