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Lehmann nears Arsenal switch
By Steve Stammers, Evening Standard Last updated at 00:00am on 25.07.03
Robert Pires: in talks with Arsenal
Jens Lehmann appears to be on the brink of joining Arsenal after revealing that only a medical could stop him joining the Gunners.
In a short statement on his personal website, the Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper hinted that the deal was close to completion. Although neither club has announced the agreement of a fee, the German international said: "If I pass the medical, I think I'll be transferred to Arsenal."
The 33-year-old has been targeted as a replacement for David Seaman, who joined Manchester City on a free transfer this summer.
Talks between Arsenal and Dortmund began on Monday and have continued to advance throughout the week.
The Bundesliga club were seeking around £ 2.5million, with Arsenal reportedly unwilling to go beyond £1.75m.
If they do secure his signature, it would end a summerlong search for a goalkeeper. They have been linked with Turkey's Rustu Recber, who joined Barcelona, Leeds' Paul Robinson and Valencia's Santiago Canizares, with Arsene Wenger determined to land an experienced keeper.
Another player sorting out his Highbury future is Robert Pires, who will meet the Arsenal directors next Thursday to discuss his contract.
The 29-year-old French star, whose deal expires in 2004, wants to stay at Highbury and club officials are optimistic he will extend his stay for two more years.
Pires has acknowledged in the past the impact his move to Arsenal three years ago for £5m from Marseille has had on his career.
"I have become stronger mentally and physically since I moved to England," he said last season.
But should talks break down Juventus are ready to move for the attacking midfielder.
The Italian champions have £5m earmarked for a concrete offer for the 2002 Premiership-Footballer of the Year.
Next week could prove crucial to Arsenal's season as Patrick Vieira and Sylvain Wiltord will also have contract talks as manager Arsene Wenger attempts to secure the longterm futures of his key players before the start of the Premiership season against Everton on 16 August. The rest of the Arsenal squad are currently on a three-match pre-season tour of Austria.
After a 2-2 draw with Ritzing on Tuesday, the team travel to Schwechat tonight to take on Austria Vienna. Their final game is against Turkish club Besiktas in Bad Waltersdorf.
