Arsenal line up swoop for Egypt's No 1 goalscorer

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Arsenal are lining up a move for Egypt's goalscoring goalkeeper Essam El Hadary.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has been impressed with the 36-year-old, who last weekend inspired his country to retain the Africa Cup of Nations, defeating Cameroon 1-0 in the final in Ghana.

With the future of Germany keeper Jens Lehmann uncertain, Wenger is ready to bid this summer for El Hadary - who has been named the Ghana tournament's best goalkeeper for the second successive tournament.

And he's not just a a top shot-stopper, he's got the ability to score from 70 yards. See below.

• VIDEO: El Hadary scores for Al Ahly against Kaiser Chiefs in the 2002 African Super Cup

El Hadary has won a string of national and continental honours with his club, Cairo giants Al Ahly. But he is now eager to move to the Premier League, and sounded out Chelsea striker Didier Drogba during Egypt's Nations Cup semi-final with the Ivory Coast.

"Drogba asked me if I would accept an offer to play in Europe, and I said that I am ready to go if my club accepted," El Hadary said.

Scroll down for more

Knees up: El Hadary celebrates the Pharaohs win

Egyptian sports analyst Khaled Bayoumi added: "I had information about Arsenal's interest in El Hadary from internal club sources, and the offer for him should arrive soon."

• VIDEO: El Hadary leads the Nations Cup celebrations

And Al Ahly coach Ahmed Nagui said: "We had a verbal approach for El Hadary. But we are waiting for an official offer for him, and then we will discuss it."

Egyptian media have claimed Arsenal are ready to offer up to £15million for the keeper, who is rated the best in Africa.

• VIDEO: Watch El Hadary in action in a Pepsi advert

And Ahly director Adil Al-Qaeyi said: "If such a bid is tabled, we will surely consider it."