How do you solve a problem like Lukasz Fabianski?

After already usurping Wojciech Szczesny from the Arsenal goalmouth Lukasz Fabianski has earned himself some more admirers. His less casual and more hands-on approach to goalkeeping has been appreciated by the squad over the often lackadaisical approach by his predecessor.

Of course let’s not all get carried away. He has played just two games in the place of his Polish compatriot but in fairness has kept two clean sheets in solid performances against Bayern Munich and Swansea City. In fact he is the first goalkeeper to go to the Allianz Arena and face Bayern without conceding since former Barnsley keeper Heinz Muller pulled off the feat for FSV Mainz in April 2012.

Now he has received more backing with the clubs vice-captain, and current team captain with Thomas Vermaelen suffering a similar fate to that of Szczesny recently, Mikel Arteta urging Arsene Wenger to give the young Pole an extended run in the first team.

“I would hope so [Fabianski stay in team]. He has done it against Bayern so why can’t he do it in the following games? He was terrific mentally as well. There was a lot of pressure on him. He came in and was fantastic, he dominated the box, made a great save as well in the second half. We are really happy with him because he has been working really hard.”

The Spaniard is right.

Fabianski has suffered with serious injury problems and has had to work tirelessly to get himself back fit and into contention. He did so by proving his worth once again for the under-21’s and now what lies ahead of him is a great opportunity to earn his spurs at The Emirates.

But what do Arsenal do about him?

He could finally be living up to his potential and could be a great alternative to spending large amounts of money on a goalkeeping replacement but with his contract running out we must not forget that he is currently free to talk to any team outside the UK about a potential Bosman transfer.

Arsenal could tie him down to a new deal now, based on the evidence of two games worth of action, or wait to see how he performs in the run-in. With concerns over his fitness this would seem sensible.

The problem is by then his future may already be tied down; elsewhere.

So how do you solve a problem like Lukasz Fabianski?

images: © Ronnie Macdonald, © Ronnie Macdonald